Sydney school pays tribute to swimmer Kenneth To
The former school of swimmer Kenneth To has paid tribute to the swim star, following his shock death on Tuesday.
To,26, died after feeling unwell at practice while undergoing a three-month training camp with the Gator Swim Club at the University of Florida in Gainesville.
Sydney’s Trinity Grammar has remembered its ex-student and described To as “wonderful person”.
“We are incredibly shocked and saddened to hear the news that Kenneth To (Class of 2009) passed away in Florida overnight,” Trinity posted on Facebook this morning.
Kenneth-To died aged 26. AP
“An incredible sportsman and wonderful person, Kenneth was one of the best swimmers Trinity had the honour of teaching and training. His loss will be felt throughout our community. Our thoughts and prayers go to his family and friends at this difficult time.”
A former teacher at the school told News Corp she was left devastated by the swimmer’s untimely death, saying she remembers him well.
“Remember him well, taught him only briefly whilst at TGS but he certainly left a mark. Always so respectful and brought an incredible work ethic to the classroom and obviously the pool. A wonderful role model during his time. One of the best,” the teacher said.
Kenneth To died unexpectedly. Getty
The Hong Kong born swimmer won medals for Australia winning silver as part of the 400 metre medley relay squad at the 2013 World Championships in Barcelona.
He also claimed six medals at the 2010 Youth Olympics in Singapore and in 2009 broke Ian Thorpe’s decade-old Australian record in the 200m individual medley.
“(To) felt unwell at a training session and was taken to hospital where sadly, he passed away,” the Hong Kong Sports Institute said.
“Kenneth was known as a truly exceptional person, warm, funny and kind.”
To has been described as an remarkable athlete by Swimming Australia national coach Jacco Verhaeren
Current Australian swimmer James Magnussen said To was “one of the fiercest competitors” and was for a time, “pound for pound, the best swimmer in the world”.
