HONG KONG — Nearly 4,000 swimmers plunged into Victoria Harbour today for the annual 1-kilometer cross-harbour race, an iconic event that saw Olympian participation and showcased the enduring spirit of local open-water athletes. Organized by the Hong Kong China Swimming Association (HKSA), the “New World Harbour Race 2025” celebrated both competitive excellence and community participation, setting off from the Golden Bauhinia Square Public Pier in Wan Chai and concluding at the Tsim Sha Tsui Avenue of Stars.
The early morning chill did not deter participants, who began gathering at 6:30 a.m. for warm-ups. The race was divided into the Competition Group and the Leisure Group, the latter featuring an expanded “Companions” format allowing teams of up to four friends or family members to swim together across the famed waterway.
The competitive fields saw thrilling finishes, dominated by members of Hong Kong’s open-water national squad. Sin Chin-ting claimed first place in the men’s category with a time of 17 minutes and 48.60 seconds, while Nieh Yi-yan secured the women’s title, finishing in 19:18.83.
Olympic Talent and Local Champions Face Open Sea Challenges
The event drew international recognition with the participation of Dutch Olympic swimmer Arno Kamminga, who described his first open-water swim as highly enjoyable, expressing hope to return next year.
Adding significant prestige was Hong Kong’s own pool star, Siobhán Haughey, a recent double-gold, double-bronze medalist at the National Games. Although Haughey finished a narrow second in the women’s category, just 32 seconds behind Nieh, she found the harbor a formidable opponent.
“It was harder than I imagined,” Haughey admitted following the race, noting the significant difference between pool swimming and navigating the open harbour. She cited obstacles like poor visibility and the difficulty of sighting turning points. Haughey humorously added that she had to keep her eyes on Nieh Yi-yan’s distinct pink cap to maintain her navigation, calling the experience “deeply memorable.”
The competitive winners echoed the difficulty of the course. Nieh Yi-yan described a comfortable swim but noted the “swift current,” admitting she worried about getting lost. Men’s winner Sin Chin-ting praised the clear conditions—calm waters and moderate temperature—but acknowledged the enhanced difficulty of the course’s increased number of marker buoys compared to previous years.
Youth and Veterans Conquer Strong Currents
The harbour race proved a challenging endeavor for many of the nearly 4,000 participants. Several young first-time swimmers noted the severity of the conditions, particularly in the mid-section of the course. Fifteen-year-old Ng described battling significant waves halfway through, forcing a desperate struggle to reach the finish line.
The event, however, was perhaps best epitomized by the resolve of 68-year-old Mr. Wong, who completed the swim for the tenth time despite having limited mobility below the waist and using a wheelchair for daily life. Wong, who trains daily by swimming 2,000 meters in preparatory pools, described this year as his “most difficult in a decade,” citing stronger currents and “adverse water” that pushed him off course toward Sai Wan.
To participate, Wong had to overcome rigorous requirements, including a drawing of lots for limited spots, a medical certificate for those over 60, and a mandatory 45-minute cut-off time for a 1,000-meter water test—requirements he met by training vigorously.
When asked how he persevered against the challenging harbour, Wong credited his coach’s advice on tackling the waves head-on, adding simply: “I didn’t want to have any regrets.”
Community and Global Participation Underscore Event’s Value
The race drew participants from around the globe, including 61-year-old Ms. Ge from mainland China, who regularly competes in domestic open-water events and praised the strong international camaraderie.
For young swimmers, like 12-year-old beginner Dai, the event was a test of personal limits. Dai, who was swimming in the Leisure Group, participated with “ordinary composure,” seeking the unique challenge of crossing the harbor. A team of seven students, guided by their ESFexplore coach Ms. Chan, also participated, viewing the race as a crucial opportunity for the youth to challenge themselves.
The annual Hong Kong harbor race continues to serve as a high-profile platform for promoting open-water swimming while celebrating the city’s unique natural geography and the determination of its athletes, from rising stars to seasoned veterans who defy physical limits.
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