Siobhan Haughey celebrates after winning the 200m freestyle at the 2023 World Championships in Doha. Source: Getty Images
Four-time Olympic medallist Siobhan Haughey has pulled out of the upcoming World Aquatic Championships in Singapore, citing a lingering back injury. The 27-year-old from Hong Kong had been set to defend her 200m freestyle world title but confirmed her withdrawal on Monday.
Haughey shared the news on social media, explaining that while it’s disappointing to miss the chance to race among the world’s best, prioritising her health is the right decision. She said that as elite athletes, they’re often taught to push through discomfort, but sometimes, the toughest call is to rest and heal.
This injury setback follows a four-month break from competition earlier this year, during which Haughey only returned to racing once. Despite her absence in Singapore, she remains one of the sport’s top performers, having earned silver in the 100m and 200m freestyle at the Tokyo Olympics and bronze in both events at the recent Paris Games. She also took gold in the 200m freestyle at last year’s World Championships in Doha.
Haughey had been entered in both the 100m and 200m freestyle events in Singapore, where the swimming events will run from July 27 to August 3.
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