Competing at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre, Haughey blasted home in 52.45 seconds, stamping her authority on an event she currently owns at continental level as both the Asian record holder and the Games record holder.
The national team’s Yu Yiting and Cheng Yujie completed the podium in second and third respectively, while Haughey’s teammate Li Sum-yiu finished seventh.
After the race, Haughey said in a TV interview that she was satisfied with her performance, and was especially happy to have her parents present for her win.
“I competed in this venue during the Tokyo Olympics, but there were no spectators allowed back then. My parents had to watch me compete on TV back then, but they were able to watch me live this time around,” she said.
“I don’t know how many more opportunities there will be for me to compete in front of them live, so I feel really happy to have my parents and people from Hong Kong here to support me in person.”
The win is Haughey’s third medal of these Games, adding to her gold in the 200 metres freestyle and silver in the women’s 4×100 metres freestyle relay.
The SAR star will be back in the pool on Thursday for the women’s 50 metres freestyle.
