How did you get involved with swimming?
At first it wasn’t really my interest at all – I got forced into swimming because when I was three I suffered from severe asthma attacks. One of my doctors told my mum to throw me in a pool, and from then on I started swimming.
What was it like growing up in Hong Kong?
It was really difficult to stand out amongst so many people, the support of my parents and self-motivation was really important as well as finding a good club and coach. I started getting coached when I was five and at the age of 10 I represented Hong Kong nationally.
What titles did you win as a junior swimmer?
When I was young I didn’t put in a lot of work but I was always in the top three for my age. I got better when I was 16 and got into the top 10 in Hong Kong. In freestyle, I was in the top five. When I was 18, I entered swimming competitions nationally and I was getting good results.
What was your time in Boston like?
In Hong Kong, if you wanted to achieve a higher level it wasn’t that easy and America is one of the best places for sport. It was good, I learned a lot. Being recruited for a scholarship there is probably my proudest moment because I felt like my efforts were being rewarded.
Do you think there are enough opportunities at York for students to try out competitive swimming?
To be honest, the swimming isn’t as developed as it could be at York. I can understand how a lot of students get put off by the pool because it’s far away and it’s small. But to be honest if it interests you, you’re still going to want to get involved.
How are the team doing in BUCS?
Last year we got promoted to division two and we almost got to division one this year. We’ve broken so many BUCS records this year and everyone’s doing their best.
Who is your role model?
Michael Phelps is a role model I look up to for all his achievements in the Olympics and the consistency of his success at winning gold medals. But he is less of a role model for my stroke because he has a different one.
What have been your hardest moments?
When I was in America they used a different training system and I had to get up at 4.30 in the morning and get ready for 5am practices. I missed my family, but there’s always Skype which helps as it takes my mind off things. Another was the 2009 East Asian Games – I missed out on competing in the competition by less than one second. Although I really enjoyed watching it with my friends, I wish I was part of it because it was in Hong Kong.
Do you have any plans for 2012?
This summer I will compete in a few local races in Hong Kong because I was invited back to take part. It’s a bit unrealistic for me to go to the Olympics now because of the training we have here. But I’m definitely going to the World University Games where I plan to represent Hong Kong. I also hope to win something in BUCS next year because I was so close last time.