Recap | Hong Kong sporting heroes, from Siobhan Haughey and Derek Currie, to Nicole Leung and Edie Hu

Dive into inspiring stories of Hong Kong sporting heroes and high achievers. From Olympic champion swimmer Siobhan Haughey to basketball stars Nicole Leung and Yannie Chan as well as local 70s footballing legend Derek Currie.

These tales tell not just of born-and-bred Hongkongers achieving success on the wider stage but also those who found the city a perfect springboard for their talents on their way to realising their dreams.

1. Siobhan Haughey, Hong Kong’s Olympic champion swimmer, talks of her journey to becoming the greatest Hongkonger of all time in the pool

Discover the inspiring journey of Siobhan Haughey, Hong Kong’s most accomplished swimmer, from her humble beginnings to her Olympic triumphs. From her early days at the South China Athletic Association to becoming the first Hong Kong swimmer to win an Olympic medal, Haughey’s journey has been one of dedication and perseverance.

2. Hong Kong football legend Derek Currie on playing Pelé, celebrity status and being nicknamed ‘Jesus’

Scottish football legend Currie made Hong Kong his home in the 1970s and had a huge impact on the game in the city. From playing against Brazilian World Cup superstar Pelé five times to becoming a local hero, Currie’s story is a captivating blend of sports, culture and personal triumphs

3. Hong Kong basketball stars Nicole Leung and Yannie Chan defy odds to shine in US college games

Read about the inspiring journeys of Hong Kong-born players Leung and Chan, who are making waves in US college basketball. Leung, a high school star, and Chan, a college athlete, have overcome personal and cultural challenges to excel in their sport and academics.

4. Edie Hu, an arts specialist from Hong Kong now breaking records in open-water swimming

After discovering a talent for swimming at university, Hu switched to swimming in the ocean in Hong Kong and was soon making waves. From conquering the English Channel to completing the triple crown of open-water events, her story is one to inspire.

5. Competitive climber Matilda Soderlund talks mental health, climbing Hong Kong’s high points and getting engaged atop Kowloon Peak

Swedish climber Matilda Soderlund shares her journey from competitive athletics to becoming a world-class climber. She recounts her story of passion, perseverance and personal growth, as well as her new-found love for rock climbing in Hong Kong.

Part of this article was produced with the assistance of generative AI