Passages: Hong Kong National Record Holder Kenneth To Dies at 26

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Photo Courtesy: Andy Ross

Sixteen-time Hong Kong National Record Holder and four-time World Championship medalist Kenneth To died at a training session on March 18.

According to the Gator Swim Club, To was training in Gainesville when he went to the locker room after not feeling well. To was training with the Gator Swim Club in preparation for the 2019 World Championships and 2020 Olympics.

The cause of his death is still uncertain.

“We are all very shocked and saddened by Kenny’s passing and wish his family and friends strength at this incredibly difficult time,” Swimming Australia National Head Coach Jacco Verhaeren said. “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.

Personally, I was fortunate to work closely with Kenny in the lead up to the 2014 Commonwealth Games. In that year he suffered a bad back injury after qualification and although he could have pulled out, he refused to give up on the team and did everything he could – it showed the resilience that was instilled in him and was a testament to his character.”

Many former teammates, competitors and coaches have put out similar statements via social media:

View this post on Instagram

We are are extremely saddened by the sudden passing of our friend, mentor and Australian Dolphins team member Kenneth To. He was a much-loved teammate and we send his family and friends strength at this incredibly difficult time.

A post shared by Australian Dolphins Swim Team (@dolphinsaus) on Mar 19, 2019 at 4:27am PDT

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It’s with such a heavy heart today we say goodbye to a true gift of life! @kennethkhto had the greatest attitude to life and an absolutely infectious laugh, I grew up watching him swim and wanted to be just like him. So many memories made with you my brother that will never be forgotten! Thoughts are with your loved ones and you’ll be missed but never forgotten! Love you my friend ❤️?

A post shared by ????? ?????? (@mitchell.larkin) on Mar 19, 2019 at 3:04am PDT

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Definitely a shock. He was such a light and pure guy. He will always be my example for any swimmer that puts boundaries on themselves from their height, work ethic, whatever. I would show swimmers who are struggling, insecure, self conscious, his videos, and they would be amazed by his underwaters, beating men maybe a foot or more taller than him. The mental strength of this man and the fortitude he must have had after moving countries, surgery and more, all while working his way back into the sport is a strength not many athletes have in their entire career, expecially since he did it with a smile. Kenneth To, You will not be forgotten, and your example will always be that of strength, resilience and a smile in the face of adversity in competition and in life. I hope your family will be honoured by the prayers, love, support and feeling of pride as they hear from the swimmers and people Kenneth has impacted in such a short time.

A post shared by Alia Atkinson, CD (@alia_atkinson) on Mar 19, 2019 at 4:06am PDT

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Incredible teammate, Fierce competitor, but more importantly a true friend! Your constant positive energy was infectious, I will cherish all the amazing memories I have shared with you! Whether it be racing with you as a teammate, battling against you individually, or the hours upon hours of PlayStation we played. Gonna miss you legend! Rest In Peace Kenny ❤️

A post shared by Travis Mahoney (@travismahoney) on Mar 19, 2019 at 2:48am PDT

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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.

A post shared by James Magnussen (@james.magnussen) on Mar 19, 2019 at 1:45am PDT

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Our Australian Swim Team won’t be the same without you Kenny ?? We’ve lost such a kind hearted, selfless, friendly, warm and authentic person. Kenneth took me under his wing on my first Australian Team (2014 Commonwealth Games Pictured). One of our team activities at these Games in Glasgow was to go on a dinner date with a member of the team. Kenny and I paired up, and I remember him ordering my dinner, then carrying my tray of food around until I finally found a good place for us to sit. He was so hilarious, constantly making jokes and making sure I was having fun ? During our dinner date I got to learn so much about him and his incredible journey. My admiration for him as an athlete and a person grew stronger from that night, every time he checked in to make sure I was doing okay. He really did contribute to mine, and many others enjoyment and success on Australian Team tours. His passing has left a hole in our swim team family ? There is so much I could write about how amazing he was as an athlete and person. I hope everyone is staying strong ❤️ Rest In Peace Kenneth To ❤️ Australian Swimming Number 705. Taken too young ? #kennethto

A post shared by Taylor Mckeown (@tay_mckeown) on Mar 19, 2019 at 3:16am PDT

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I’ve had the honour to share 14 years of friendship with the most genuine fella there is. Lots of memories and races to look back on Kenny

A post shared by Jayden Hadler (@jaydenhadler) on Mar 19, 2019 at 3:47am PDT

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I have no words. RIP @kennethkhto

A post shared by Tom Shields (@beefytshields) on Mar 19, 2019 at 7:06am PDT

The 26-year-old was born in Hong Kong before moving to Australia where he was on the Dolphins’ National Team from 2010-2016. In 2017, he then represented Hong Kong at the World University Games. He also won six medals, including gold in the 400 Medley Relay at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore.

To’s National Records include the Long Course 50 free, 100 free, 50 breast, 100 breast, 200 IM and 400 medley relay and Short Course 50 free, 100 free, 200 free, 50 breast, 100 breast, 50 fly, 100 fly, 100 IM, 200 IM and 400 IM. From his time in Australia, he also holds National Records for the country in the Short Course 100 and 200 IM.

Most recently, To competed in the 100 free, 200 free and 200 IM at the 2019 TYR Pro Swim Series at Des Moines.

The Hong Kong Sports Institute and Swimming Australia contributed to this report.

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Linda Hyslop

5 years ago

How very sad

Inna Koucka

5 years ago

OoooMG???

Thomas A. Small

5 years ago

Really sad God Bless him

Cindy Adair

5 years ago

Very sad. RIP Kenneth x

Shaheen Alghofari

5 years ago

Joe Stott

Jennifer Hyslop

5 years ago

?incredibly sad.

Sara Stacy

5 years ago

Omg Elizabeth Taylor how terrible

Elizabeth Taylor

5 years ago

Reply to Sara Stacy

Sara Stacy did it say why

Sara Stacy

5 years ago

Reply to Sara Stacy

Elizabeth Taylor they dont know yet

Ana Lenac Chien

5 years ago

Oh wow! So so sad.

Ann Belew O'Brien

5 years ago

So very sad.

Jo Banham

5 years ago

So very sad ?

Gustavo Medina

5 years ago

David Olvera

Cristina Peczon Rodriguez

5 years ago

So sad! And so young!

Bella Hall

5 years ago

Prayers and condolences to his family!

Karin Knudson O'Connell

5 years ago

So tragic and sad for his family and friends. Rest In Peace Kenneth.??

Patricia Ramos-Fraire

5 years ago

Prayers to his family and loved ones.

Dilek Newlon

5 years ago

So sad. ? Gone too soon. RIP young man.

Jane Hardy

5 years ago

So young
What awful news
?

Irene Hisham

5 years ago

Sad…RIP

Wai Meng Lai

5 years ago

RIP

Surendra Naik

5 years ago

So sad. RIP

Steven Jackman

5 years ago

OMG, I never heard of a swimmer dying because of practice, but I swam competitively 56 to 60 years ago. We only were allowed to work out about 4 months a year back then. I would think the swimmers are in much better shape now. Did he have and unknown cardiac problem? Anyway, RIP