Siobhan Haughey has been one of the world’s best swimmers for the past few years, but has always been a little under the radar.
After the start to the 2020 International Swimming League (ISL) season, she isn’t under the radar anymore.
Haughey, a 2016 Olympian for Hong Kong, has become an ISL force for Energy Standard in record-breaking fashion.
In the 200 free, her time of 1:51.67 broke her own Asian record set in last year’s ISL season. It was also the fastest time in the history of the ISL in the 200 free, breaking her two previous fastest times, led by a 1:51.99, in 2019.
In the 100 free, Haughey broke the Asian record in 51.59, leading off the 4×100 free relay, breaking the previous mark set by Japan’s Rikako Ikee. Before going even faster in the individual event at 51.38.
The former University of Michigan star also broke her own Hong Kong record in the 400 free with a swim of 3:58.58.
“I didn’t even know I broke the Asian record in the 100 free on the relay until my coach in Hong Kong told me after the meet,” Siobhan Haughey told Swimming World. “I was so nervous yet excited before the relay since it’s been a while since I last raced. I think my mind was blank. But I’m glad my first race was a relay instead of an individual event because I had seven other teammates by my side.”
It got the momentum moving for Haughey as she started her individual swims.
Siobhan Haughey. Photo Courtesy: Mike Lewis/ISL
“For the 100 free on the next day, I’m glad I was able to go faster, and that Energy Standard went 1-2 because we needed the points,” Haughey said. “I’ve been training mainly long course over the summer so I didn’t really know what to expect at ISL, but I’m pleased with my times in Match 1. Being able to swim best times is great because it shows that I’m improving. But there are things that I can still work on and I’m hoping to leave Budapest better than when I first got here.”
Haughey came to Budapest with some momentum, swimming extremely fast during an exhibition swim in Hong Kong. But this was her first meet in months. Her last big meet was the 2019 World Championships, where she finished fourth in the 200 free.
“It’s a little weird being at a swim meet again because it’s been so long, but I’m really happy that ISL is happening. Its something that swimmers have been looking forward to and it’s such a great feeling being able to race again,” she said.
Haughey made the move from the DC Trident to Energy Standard this year and is getting to know her new teammates in the bubble.
“Energy Standard has swimmers from 20 different countries. Everyone has different experiences and knowledge so you’re able to learn something new from everyone,” Siobhan Haughey said. “It’s also fun training with the team because it’s not every day that you get to train with so many top swimmers in the world. It’s a really eye opening experience. Everyone is also really nice and I’m having a great time so far.”