@kennethkhto/InstagramCompetitive swimmer Kenneth To has died.
The 26-year-old passed away after falling ill while at a three-month training camp with the Gator Swim Club, at the University of Florida in Gainesville, US.
(🏊♂️) Been a great 2 months of training in Florida. Excited to race my first Pro Swim Series meet in the US tomorrow! #racing #TYRProSeries #DesMoines pic.twitter.com/kSJOY0KN4E
— Kenneth To – 杜敬謙 (@kennethkhto) March 7, 2019
The cause of death is currently unclear, but on Tuesday (March 19), Hong Kong Sports Institute, where Kenneth was an Elite Scholarship Athlete said:
[To] felt unwell at a training session and was taken to hospital where sadly, he passed away.
He was extremely popular and loved by his team mates and competitors. Kenneth was known as a truly exceptional person, warm, funny and kind. His sudden passing is a huge loss to local sports.
(🙌) Feeling strong and powerful. Thanks @ArenaPeople for allowing me to try your new Ultimate Aquaforce CP suit! #UltimateAquaforce #arenahk pic.twitter.com/P4uhEUSS5z
— Kenneth To – 杜敬謙 (@kennethkhto) February 8, 2019
Kenneth was born in Hong Kong before moving to Australia when he was two years old.
Throughout his swimming career, the athlete won a silver medal for Australia at the 2013 World Championships in Barcelona, as well as another six medals at the 2010 Youth Olympics in Singapore, including gold in the 400 metre medley.
In 2016, he transferred his nationality to swim for Hong Kong, and was in training ahead of the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.
We are heartbroken to to announce that one of our best swimmers, Kenneth To, has passed away at age 26. Our love and deepest sympathy are with Kenneth’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time. We will miss you Kenny.https://t.co/3wKEKqCPpt pic.twitter.com/Bm9ZQO6PHR
— Swimming NSW (@SwimmingNSW) March 19, 2019
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, Australian swimming coach Jacco Verhaeren paid tribute to the young swimmer, describing him as an ‘exceptional teammate and versatile athlete.’
He continued:
We are all very shocked and saddened by Kenny’s passing and wish his family and friends strength at this incredibly difficult time.
He was a much-loved team member with a determined spirit and wonderful personality, so he will be missed by all his peers, coaches and staff.
Tributes to Kenneth have been pouring in on social media from fans and other athletes.
Olympic medallist James Magnussen honoured the fellow swimmer on Instagram, writing:
Shocking news to hear of the passing of my competitor but most of all, friend – @kennethkhto
We’ve been racing each other and making teams together since we were 16.
He will remain one of the fiercest competitors I’ve ever stood on the blocks next to. I firmly believe that for a long period he was pound for pound, the best swimmer in the world.
RIP little guy, you won’t be forgotten.
British Swimmer Siobhan-Marie O’Connor tweeted:
So shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of Kenneth To. A lovely guy, taken far too soon. Sending my love to his family and friends at this awful time.
So shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of Kenneth To. A lovely guy, taken far too soon. 😔Sending my love to his family and friends at this awful time❤️
— Siobhan-M O'Connor (@SiobhanMOConnor) March 19, 2019
Our thoughts are with Kenneth’s friends and family at this difficult time.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.
Emily Brown first began delivering important news stories aged just 13, when she launched her career with a paper round. She graduated with a BA Hons in English Language in the Media from Lancaster University, and went on to become a freelance writer and blogger. Emily contributed to The Sunday Times Travel Magazine and Student Problems before becoming a journalist at UNILAD, where she works on breaking news as well as longer form features.