Olympics Mini Feature: Siobhan Haughey an Under-the-Radar Superstar

Olympics Mini Feature: Siobhan Haughey an Under-the-Radar Superstar

She’s a two-time Olympic silver medalist. She’s a world champion and multi-time podium finisher at various international competitions. In the short-course pool, she’s a world-record holder. Nonetheless, Siobhan Haughey is an athlete who doesn’t receive the recognition that her portfolio deserves.

That status could soon change.

Most predictions for gold in the 100 freestyle and 200 freestyle at the Olympic Games in Paris start with an Australian tinge. Two-time world champion Mollie O’Callaghan is the consensus pick in the 100 freestyle, thanks to her unmatched closing ability. Stretch to the 200 freestyle and Ariarne Titmus and O’Callaghan – the two-fastest performers in history – are widely expected to author a gold-silver finish in Monday night’s final.

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To discount the upside of Haughey, though, would be a mistake. The Hong Kong standout has been a consistent force in the sport, her first international title won more than a decade ago at the World Junior Championships. In the years since, Haughey enjoyed a superb collegiate career at the University of Michigan, and continually acquitted herself admirably against elite competition.

Heading into the Olympic Games, Haughey ranks as the No. 3 performer of all-time in the 100 freestyle, thanks to a mark of 52.02 from late 2023. She is one of only seven women in history to break the 1:54 barrier in the 200 freestyle. Meanwhile, she has frequently proved her worth on the global stage, evidenced by medals from the Olympics, World Championships, Asian Games and World University Games.

Three years ago, Haughey walked away from the Tokyo Olympics with a pair of runnerup showings. In the 100 freestyle, she placed behind Aussie Emma McKeon. In the 200 freestyle, Haughey placed less than a half-second behind Titmus. Could Paris be the site of golden moments for Haughey?

“I feel like I can do a lot better,” Haughey said earlier this year, after securing gold at the World Championships in the 200 freestyle. “Paris is the main target, so hopefully I’ll tweak and fine-tune some things the next few months and I can have an even better swim (at the Olympics).”

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