Sixteen-time Hong Kong National Record Holder and four-time World Championship medalist Kenneth To died at a training session on March 18.
According to the Gator Swim Club, To was training in Gainesville when he went to the locker room after not feeling well. To was training with the Gator Swim Club in preparation for the 2019 World Championships and 2020 Olympics.
The cause of his death is still uncertain.
“We are all very shocked and saddened by Kenny’s passing and wish his family and friends strength at this incredibly difficult time,” Swimming Australia National Head Coach Jacco Verhaeren said. “He was a much-loved team member with a determined spirit and wonderful personality, so he will be missed by all his peers, coaches and staff.
Personally, I was fortunate to work closely with Kenny in the lead up to the 2014 Commonwealth Games. In that year he suffered a bad back injury after qualification and although he could have pulled out, he refused to give up on the team and did everything he could – it showed the resilience that was instilled in him and was a testament to his character.”
Many former teammates, competitors and coaches have put out similar statements via social media:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BvMVBBkAfxv/
The 26-year-old was born in Hong Kong before moving to Australia where he was on the Dolphins’ National Team from 2010-2016. In 2017, he then represented Hong Kong at the World University Games. He also won six medals, including gold in the 400 Medley Relay at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore.
To’s National Records include the Long Course 50 free, 100 free, 50 breast, 100 breast, 200 IM and 400 medley relay and Short Course 50 free, 100 free, 200 free, 50 breast, 100 breast, 50 fly, 100 fly, 100 IM, 200 IM and 400 IM. From his time in Australia, he also holds National Records for the country in the Short Course 100 and 200 IM.
Most recently, To competed in the 100 free, 200 free and 200 IM at the 2019 TYR Pro Swim Series at Des Moines.
The Hong Kong Sports Institute and Swimming Australia contributed to this report.
How very sad
OoooMG???
Really sad God Bless him
Very sad. RIP Kenneth x
Joe Stott
?incredibly sad.
Omg Elizabeth Taylor how terrible
Sara Stacy did it say why
Elizabeth Taylor they dont know yet
Oh wow! So so sad.
So very sad.
So very sad ?
David Olvera
So sad! And so young!
Prayers and condolences to his family!
So tragic and sad for his family and friends. Rest In Peace Kenneth.??
Prayers to his family and loved ones.
So sad. ? Gone too soon. RIP young man.
So young
What awful news
?
Sad…RIP
RIP
So sad. RIP
OMG, I never heard of a swimmer dying because of practice, but I swam competitively 56 to 60 years ago. We only were allowed to work out about 4 months a year back then. I would think the swimmers are in much better shape now. Did he have and unknown cardiac problem? Anyway, RIP
They still don’t know what the cause.
I also don’t think it’s about the practice.
Mathias
Heartbreaking.? Too soon too young. Condolences to his family and friends. R.I.P.
RIP
Oh no – so sad.RIP.
RIP
So sad
Ouch ! Rip ?
so young … our sincere and heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
Cal ?
Fernando Delgado Sellas
Carlos Berrios Rivera
So sad . Rest you briliant swimmer and person. Gone too soon
Very sad.
So very sad Rest peacefully Kenny xx
Rest in peace, Kenny!
So sad, much too young.
Marco Soesanto
Way to young
Ahmed Ashraf Eissa
SCD
كلام خطير