Siobhan Haughey competes in the women's 100m freestyle. Photo: Xinhua

Hong Kong had to wait nearly 70 years to get its first Olympic swimming medal, but its second came only two days later after Siobhan Haughey secured her second silver of the Tokyo Games in the 100 meters freestyle final on Friday.

The 23-year-old psychology major had already made history for Hong Kong by reaching an Olympic swimming final, finishing second in the 200m freestyle on Wednesday.

On Friday she swam the 100 meters freestyle in 52.27 seconds, just 0.31 seconds behind Australian winner Emma McKeon.

Haughey said her main focus had been the 200 meters, so bringing home a medal in the shorter race was "a bonus."

"All I wanted to do today was to have fun. The fact that I came away with another medal again, it is so surreal," she said. "The 200 meters freestyle is always my main event, so this is just a bonus."

Haughey's results in the 100 meters and 200 meters have all become the new Asian records. 

Haughey poses with her silver medal on the podium. Photo: VCG

Residents of Hong Kong have closely followed Haughey's progress at the Games. 

After celebrating her historic swim earlier in the week, many gathered on Friday morning hoping she would give them more reason to celebrate.

Hundreds watched in shopping malls, which were streaming the race live, and others in bars and restaurants to view the final. Youth swimming groups had set up screenings at their training facilities.

At one shopping mall in the city's Kowloon district, some residents burst into tears after her performance, local media showed. Many said it provided a sense of camaraderie after the widespread protests in 2019.

"I want to celebrate the moment with all the Hongkongers. It's really amazing because she made new history of Hong Kong," said student Joey, according to public broadcaster RTHK. 

The success of Haughey, whose mum is from Hong Kong and father is Irish, also receives applauds from Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor.

"Miss Haughey has been making continuous personal breakthroughs and has beaten world-class opponents with brilliant performances in the competitions," Lam said.  

"Her remarkable achievement has started a new chapter in Hong Kong swimming. She is highly commended by me and all people of Hong Kong."

Secretary for Home Affairs Caspar Tsui also lauded the swimmer's success, noting that Miss Haughey achieved outstanding results again in the Olympics with perseverance.

"Her success will inspire more athletes to pursue their dreams. I wish her glory in her future endeavors in sports and would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to the coaches and supporting team for their contribution."