Siobhan Haughey on Being a Hong Kong Icon, Partnership with Chanel, & Uncertain Future in Swim

Hong Kong’s Siobhan Haughey showed out in Paris, winning bronze medals in the 100 and 200 freestyles, both of which were the fastest fields in history.

That put Haughey’s overall Olympic medal count at 4 (after winning double silver in Tokyo), making her the most decorated Olympian in Hong Kong’s history.

The world champion and NCAA All-American joined the SwimSwam podcast to discuss her experience in Paris, her iconic partnership with Chanel, and having no real training base but still staying at the top of her game.

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NotHimAgain
1 month ago

The Japanese announcer at the Tokyo Olympics, channeling the WWE’s Howard Finkel, pronounced her name the best: HORRR-HEEE SHAAA-VONNN!!!

Bob
1 month ago

I think she’ll retire fairly soon.A bronze medallist at 26 years old.Siobhan thinks she can swim faster but so can many of the swimmers behind her.She would be 30 at the next Olympics,individual medals are tough at that age and relays aren,t really a thing in Hong Kong medal wise.She has a good idea what she wants to do after swimming, why not get after it now and get into your life,s work.

BennyBD
Reply to  Bob
1 month ago

Sarah Sjoestrom and Cam McEvoy both 30 got gold medals at Paris so why not Siobhan. She certainly is talented enough if she wants to keep swimming. Still 4 years is a long time. She has such a great personality no wonder she is so popular in Hong Kong.

OlympicCasual
Reply to  Bob
1 month ago

Her advantage is she can exclusively target the Games. If she gets the OQT selection is a formality.

Nick
1 month ago

What is the reason why Hong Kong (or Puerto Rico if not others) get their own Olympic team? Obviously she is tremendously talented and accomplished and would succeed on any country’s team but given that Hong Kong was absorbed fully and completely into China the rationale isn’t clear.

Admin
Reply to  Nick
1 month ago

There’s actually a very good reason for this.

The current rule dates back to 1996, and so in essence, no new national Olympic committees from non-sovereign states would be allowed. If you’ll recall, there were A LOT of changes to borders in the decade going into 1996, so it kind of makes sense that the rules would shift.

The current standard is “an independent State recognised by the international community.” UN membership is the easiest way to clear this threshold. I would imagine that the first time this is tested on a fringe case, it’s going to be a political s***show. Bougainville, which is very close to independence from PNG, is likely to be the next new country, but that… Read more »

OlympicCasual
Reply to  Nick
1 month ago

I want to know how much she’s turned down! The PRC must’ve made an offer they thought she couldn’t refuse. She’s well looked after in HK, obviously. On the mainland she’d be a superstar.

Jonathan
1 month ago

Coleman is that really how you pronounce Haughey? I’m pretty sure Jason, Dan, and Rowdy pronounce it differently. (Haw-he)

morning call
Reply to  Jonathan
1 month ago
Coleman Hodges
Reply to  Jonathan
1 month ago

Upon listening to link below, sounds like I’ve got it wrong and NBC team has it right. Thank you for bringing this to my attention!

Awsi Dooger
Reply to  Jonathan
1 month ago

It’s the swimming version of Faith Kipyegon. You get dependably different versions from NBC depending on who is doing the call. Most say Kip-yay-gun while others like Paul Swangard use Kip-yuh-gon.

Most athletes don’t seem to care if it’s pronounced perfectly, as long as recognizable

Long_Course_Yards
1 month ago

Coleman post-Olympics has been averaging Wilt Chamberlain stats.

Last edited 1 month ago by Long_Course_Yards
Diehard
Reply to  Long_Course_Yards
1 month ago

Not all Wilt’s stats hopefully!

Timpon Tam
Reply to  Long_Course_Yards
1 month ago

Wilt who “scored” 20,000 according to his own recollection? That Wilt?

Postoll’s
1 month ago

Siobhan is an amazing and talented swimmer, but more importantly an amazing and talented human. As a family we have been honored to share your journey and success from Michigan to Rio to Paris. We love your family, we love you … and we absolutely love your smile!

Swim Fast Swim Pretty
Reply to  Postoll’s
1 month ago

Whoever downvoted this: lay off the haterade! Bad for the heart!

About Coleman Hodges

Coleman Hodges

Coleman started his journey in the water at age 1, and although he actually has no memory of that, something must have stuck. A Missouri native, he joined the Columbia Swim Club at age 9, where he is still remembered for his stylish dragon swim trunks. After giving up on …

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