In yet another stunning display of athleticism and determination, Hong Kong’s swimming sensation, Siobhan Haughey, claimed a bronze medal in the women’s 100m freestyle in the early hours of today (1 August). This not only brought to Hong Kong the fourth medal at the Paris event, but also took her tally of medals to four from just two Olympics – that most achieved by any Hong Kong athletes.
The successes are testament to the athlete’s unwavering dedication, relentless training and extraordinary talent. Her triumphs can also be put down to the strategic planning and focus she and her team demonstrated in ensuring her being at the physical peak by the time the Paris Games rolled around. Siobhan has programmed her training on the 100m and 200m freestyle events, ensuring she had the best possible opportunity to medal again.
Having already secured two Olympic silver medals at the Tokyo Games three years ago, Siobhan has consistently raised the bar for herself and Hong Kong’s sporting achievements. She has also demonstrated a spirit of persistent improvement over the years. Her talent and outstanding performance were recognised back in 2013 when she was awarded the title of South China Morning Post’s Student of the Year, an award which was sponsored by the Club. Now, over a decade later, the Club is honoured to award her again, this time under the HKJC Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme. Siobhan will be awarded HK$1.5 million, in addition to the HK$1.5 million for her bronze medal in the women’s 200m freestyle two days ago in recognition of her dedication and commitment. The Scheme aims to incentivise and reward elite performance by Hong Kong athletes.
I hope that Siobhan’s triumph can inspire more young athletes to pursue their dreams and elevate Hong Kong’s sporting profile on the global stage.
I also hope that people can appreciate that beyond her athletic prowess, Siobhan embodies the important values of resilience, diligence and sportsmanship.
Congratulations again to Siobhan on this extraordinary achievement and I wish all participants the very best of luck in the remaining days of the event.
Meanwhile, Vincent Ho saddles two more mounts on Nassau Stakes Day today (Thursday, 1 August), namely BRIONI in the 3yo Handicap (S3-1, 8.50pm, Hong Kong time) and VEYDARI in the 2yo Handicap (S3-5, 11.10pm, Hong Kong time). I wish Vincent the best of luck.
The Group 1 Nassau Stakes (S3-4, 10.35pm) over 1984m is the highlight of Thursday night’s (1 August) racing from Goodwood, and trainer Aidan O’Brien is chasing his fifth win in the race with OPERA SINGER. This will be the first time that this Group 1 winning filly will step up in trip to near 2000m, but on pedigree, she is bred to stay being by JUSTIFY and out of a SADLER’S WELLS mare. She is a very consistent performer, winning three races and placing three times from just seven starts, and she can also race handily. She is my win and place selection under Ryan Moore.
EMILY UPJOHN won the G1 Coronation Cup last year, and though her form dipped a little earlier in the season, she looked to be coming back to her best when she finished second to BLUESTOCKING in the G1 Pretty Polly Stakes on her latest outing. She is a place chance under Kieran Shoemark. SPARKLING PLENTY is in fine form recently, winning twice in June, including the G1 Prix de Diane last start. Ridden by Cristian Demuro, she is also a place chance.
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