Former Australian swimmer Kenneth To has died in Florida after falling ill during training.
Hong Kong-born To was in Florida for a training camp with the Gator Swim Club at the University of Florida in Gainesville.
After feeling unwell in the locker room following a training session, To was taken to hospital where he died, aged 26.
The cause of his death remains unclear.
"(To) felt unwell at a training session and was taken to hospital where sadly, he passed away," the Hong Kong Sports Institute confirmed.
“Kenneth was known as a truly exceptional person, warm, funny and kind.”
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
After moving to Sydney when he was two, an 18-year-old To claimed six medals at the 2010 Youth Olympics in Singapore, including gold in the 4x100m medley.
A year earlier in 2009, he broke Ian Thorpe’s decade-old Australian record in the 200m individual medley (16 years), nailing a time of 2:04.31.
He won silver in the 200m medley at the 2011 Australian swimming championships in Sydney, and also won silver in the 4x100m medley relay team at the 2013 World Championships in Barcelona. He was also a member of the 2014 Commonwealth Games team.
In 2012, he was crowned the men’s overall winner of FINA’s World Cup with 195 points.
He still holds the Australian short course record in the 100m and 200m individual medley.
To was training to compete for Hong Kong at next year's Olympics in Tokyo after moving back to his country of birth in 2017, where he holds 16 swimming records.
The news of To’s passing led to several tributes, with Swimming Australia coach Jacco Verhaeren paying his respects to the “much-loved” athlete.
“We are all very shocked and saddened by Kenny’s passing and wish his family and friends strength at this incredibly difficult time,” 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.”
Swimming Australia are extremely saddened by the sudden passing of Dolphin Kenneth To and extends their deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
— Swimming Australia (@SwimmingAUS) March 19, 2019
Former world champion James Magnussen said long-time rival To was was one the best swimmers he ever raced against.
"Shocking news to hear of the passing of my competitor but most of all, friend," Magnussen wrote on Instagram.
"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.”
Swimming NSW also paid tribute to their fallen mate.
"Our love and deepest sympathy are with Kenneth’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time,” a statement read.
"We will miss you Kenny."
