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Lars Hamer

A child prodigy, world record holders, Olympic medallists and world champions mean that swimming at the National Games is set to be one of the hottest tickets going.
The sport is set to be dominated by mainland Chinese swimmers, with Hong Kong possessing only one contender who can boast the above status: four-time Olympic medallist Siobhan Haughey.
The 27-year-old has previously stated that she does not know whether she will compete at international level next year, and success is far from guaranteed. A lengthy sabbatical at the beginning of the year was followed by a back injury that ruled her out of the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore in July and August.
So with Hong Kong’s star swimmer having barely competed this year, what are the city’s chances of challenging for medals?
Here is everything you need to know about next month’s swimming competition.

Hong Kong’s hopefuls
Haughey has not competed since the Mare Nostrum Swim Tour in France in May, but will still be among the favourites in the 100 metres and 200m freestyle events.
However, do not expect to see the five-time world champion at her best. The last time she raced, Haughey was coming off a three-month break from swimming and by no means in top condition. She hit one minute and 56.42 seconds in the 200m freestyle (versus her best time of 1:53.92 from 2021) and 53.88 seconds in the 100m (52.02).
But those times could still challenge for the podium.
At the China National Swimming Tournament in Chengdu in September, the mainland’s selection tournament for the National Games, Yang Junxuan swam 54.03 to win the 100m freestyle and 1:54.03 to claim the 200m podium.
Hong Kong’s other medal hopeful is Ian Ho Yentou, the Asian Games silver medallist in the 50m freestyle. The 28-year-old broke the Hong Kong record at the world championships in Singapore, coming home in 21.82 seconds, but no China athletes swam the event.

The surprise package
Many Hongkongers will be hoping Cindy Cheung Sum-yuet can return to the form that saw her shock the city and qualify for the Paris Olympics by hitting 2:10.35 in the 200m backstroke in 2023. But she will need to improve on the 2:14.73 she put up at this year’s world championships.
There is also a lot of hope around 15-year-old breaststroker Eunis Man Wui-kiu, who seems to get faster every day. Unfortunately for her, she is likely to come up against three-time world champion and Asian Games gold medallist Tang Qianting.
Who are China’s best?
Provincially, the Zhejiang team boasts a number of superstars, including 100m freestyle world record holder Pan Zhanle, the controversial Sun Yang and Olympic champions Wang Shun, Xu Jiayu and Ye Shiwen. All are expected to compete in Shenzhen, and do not be surprised if they sweep the relay events.
However, Pan has struggled for form and even failed to make the finals of the 100m freestyle in Chengdu and Singapore.

Going into the National Games on a totally different trajectory is Qin Haiyang, who won the world crown in the 100m and 200m breaststroke in Singapore. He will compete against Hongkongers Adam Mak Sai-ting and Adam Chillingworth, who will both be aiming to break the city record of 2:10.53.
And of course, there is one name who is likely to dominate international headlines during the National Games: 12-year-old sensation Yu Zidi.
At the world championships, Yu became the youngest swimmer ever to make a final and win a medal, getting bronze in the 4x200m freestyle. But it was in individual events where she really impressed, coming fourth in the 200m and 400m individual medley and the 400m butterfly.
When and where
The swimming events will run from November 10 to 17 and will be held in an Olympic-standard 50m pool at the Shenzhen Universiade Sports Centre.
The women’s 200m and 100m freestyle finals are set for November 13 and November 15, respectively. The men’s 50m freestyle final is on November 16.


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Beyond Siobhan Haughey: Hong Kong’s best bets, China’s top threats at National Games

Hong Kong’s Siobhan Haughey after winning the 200m freestyle final at the World Aquatics Swimming Championships in Budapest last December. Photo: EPA-EFE

Siobhan Haughey (middle) in a Mare Nostrum Tour 100m freestyle final in May. Photo: Tom Rushton

Sprinter Ian Ho is Hong Kong’s other main medal hope. Photo: Mike Chan

China’s Yu Zidi, 12, came in fourth in the 400m IM at the world championships. Photo: Xinhua

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A more confident and happy Ceci Lee takes a rest from training at Hong Kong Velodrome. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Ceci Lee, here after winning in Australia, is getting used to topping podiums. Photo: CAHKC 

Ceci Lee is led out by head coach Herve Dagorne during practice at Hong Kong Velodrome. Photo: Jonathan Wong

The charismatic Lee (centre) is growing into a leader among the Hong Kong squad. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Ceci Lee having fun with some young fans at a pre-National Games event. Photo: Jonathan Wong

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Cheung Ka-long (left) and Ryan Choi are Hong Kong’s main fencing medal chances at the National Games. Photo: USFHK

Greg Koenig, who leads Hong Kong’s men’s and women’s foil teams. Photo: Mike Chan

From left, Cheung Ka-long, Leung Chin-yu and Ryan Choi with their team bronze medals at the 2023 World Championships in Milan. Photo: AFP

Lawrence Ng, currently at a career-best No 37, will take part in the team foil event. Photo: FIE

Kaylin Hsieh is Hong Kong’s top gold medal hope in the women’s épée competition. Photo: Getty Images

Sport

China

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City’s main medal hope has barely competed this year, but there are other contenders who could spring a surprise against the mainland giants


City’s main medal hope has barely competed this year, but there are other contenders who could spring a surprise against the mainland giants.


Beyond Siobhan Haughey: Hong Kong’s best bets, China’s top threats at National Games

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}City’s main medal hope has barely competed this year, but there are other contenders who could spring a surprise against the mainland giants

Hong Kong’s hopefuls

City’s main medal hope has barely competed this year, but there are other contenders who could spring a surprise against the mainland giants