Exciting news from the World University Games in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany! At just 19 years old, Hong Kong’s Little Frog King Adam Mak made waves in the men’s 200-meter breaststroke final, clinching the silver medal with a record-breaking time of 2 minutes and 10.53 seconds. This achievement adds another medal to the Hong Kong delegation’s collection. Adam, in his debut at the World University Games, has not only made it to the podium but has also become the first male swimmer from Hong Kong to win a medal at this event. This remarkable feat comes eight years after swimming star Siobhan Haughey’s success, marking a significant milestone for the Hong Kong swimming team.
In a stunning performance at the Universiade, Adam Mak set new records for Hong Kong three times, from the heats all the way to the finals. He advanced easily from the heats with a time of 2:13.54, and then swam 2:10.61 in the semifinals, breaking his own old record of 2:11.07 set back in February. In the men’s 200m breaststroke final held early this morning (21st) Hong Kong time, Adam pushed further, clinching silver with a time of 2:10.53, just 0.01 seconds ahead of Poland’s Dawid Wiekiera. The championship was taken by America’s Benjamin Delmar, who finished with a time of 2:09.50. The Chinese University of Hong Kong student was visibly excited after the race: Every time I break my own record, it fuels my motivation, but I’m even happier to compete for medals on behalf of Hong Kong! Adam has been achieving remarkable results in recent years, having won the gold medal in the 200m breaststroke at the 2022 World Junior Championships, being hailed as a rising star in Hong Kong’s swimming scene.
This silver medal marks the sixth medal in the history of Hong Kong’s swimming team at the Universiade. Previous achievements include gold medals by Wey Hinna in the 100 meters freestyle and butterfly in 2009, as well as a silver for Au Hoi Chun in the 50 meters backstroke in 2015, and the remarkable double gold by swimming star He Shibei in 2017 in both the 100 meters and 200 meters freestyle. This medal not only continues the fine tradition of Hong Kong’s swimming team but also signifies the rise of a new generation of athletes. Additionally, Adam received a cash prize of Jockey Club Outstanding Athlete Award Program 250,000 HKD as a form of encouragement for this achievement.
As of today, the Hong Kong delegation has amassed a total of 1 gold, 1 silver, and 2 bronze medals at this year’s World University Games. Aside from Mak Shih-ting’s silver medal, Che Sin-yan clinched gold in the women’s individual épée, and Yip Nga-chi secured bronze in the women’s individual foil. The women’s table tennis team also contributed a team bronze medal, showcasing the diverse talents of Hong Kong athletes.
He Shipei Focuses on Recovery, Eager for a Strong Comeback
Just as Hong Kong’s swimming community was celebrating the accomplishments of 麥世霆 (Mackenzie McKenzie), another noteworthy update emerged from the local swimming scene. Four-time Olympic freestyle medalist swimming star 何詩蓓 (Siobhan Haughey) announced today (21st) via social media that she has decided to withdraw from the World Long Course Swimming Championships, set to take place this Sunday (27th) in Singapore, due to ongoing back injury issues.
Siobhan wrote in her story: Due to a persistent back injury, I have decided to withdraw from this month’s Long Course World Championships. I feel really sad about this decision, especially since I will miss the opportunity to compete against the world’s top swimmers, but right now I have to do what’s best for myself.
As elite athletes, we often train through pain and fatigue, but taking a step back to care for our bodies and patiently wait can often be a tough decision. Fortunately, I have a strong team supporting me. I can’t wait to get back to the competition and face the world’s best again. I’ll also be cheering on my teammates from Hong Kong, and I look forward to seeing you all in the pool soon.
