On the fly with Jeremy Joint Riong

Q: Start by introducing yourself.

A: My name is Jeremy Joint Riong and I'm 17 years old. I'm currently in my first year studying at PTE Katok. I'm looking forward to furthering my studies in UBD in Sports Science as I'm hoping to become a physiotherapist in the future.

Q: What is your biggest achievement yet?

A: I believe that to be being selected to represent Brunei at the first Youth Olympic Games in Singapore.

Q: How was it like representing Brunei at the recently concluded Games?

A: It was very challenging as I got to compete against swimmers at an international level. But I knew that I had to put up my best performance. (Riong competed in both the 50metres and 100m Butterfly events where he achieved his personal bests)

Q: Were you satisfied with your results?

A: I'm very satisfied with the results especially (since we were rushing) to prepare for the Games. I would have to give credit to my coach (Eva Wong) for pushing me that helped me improve on my times because to improve by one second is already difficult. (Riong shaved off two seconds from his previous personal best for the 100m event)

Q: How do you think that you can be an inspiration to the younger swimmers to be able to be selected to represent the country?

A: I'm proud to return to the country as one of the first Youth Olympians. I hope that the younger athletes can look at me as motivation as they can one day also be selected. The main thing is to never give up because hard work pays off.

Q: What are the events that you prefer to do? Why is that?

A: It would be the butterfly of course. I used to do the backstroke because it was easier to breathe but somehow it just came to me that I had the talent for butterfly.

Q: Do you have a favourite swimmer? Why?

A: Michael Phelps because he is also a butterflier.

Q: When did you actually start swimming?

A: I started when I was seven years old and eventually joined the national scheme in 2007. Joining the sport was more for me to keep fit and healthy but I just got really interested and continued on. (Siu Kent) Chung is an inspiration to me as my senior and he was one of the fastest swimmers around.

Q: How can you compare the standard of swimming here to that of other countries?

A: From my experience at the YOG, I expected a big difference from other countries but instead we managed to compete. So I don't think that the standard is that far away.

Q: How can we further improve then?

A: First of all, the athletes need to be mentally disciplined. I think that (Brunei) swimmers give up too easily. They need to know that there is no easy way out but to train hard. I also think that we'll need to improve on the pool facilities. An example would be the starting block which was different in Singapore. I'm also hoping that we can add more lanes for the swimming pool as there are too many swimmers during scheme training for a day.

Q: What is the most important trait to becoming a good swimmer?

A: I think height is one of them. There is an advantage in being taller for reaching first. Nonetheless, swimmers will have to put in the time to build the body as well.

Q: Following your study schedule, how often do you get to train?

A: I train for two hour sessions daily under the national training scheme. It is tiring because I would have to rush back home after school (in the afternoon) to get ready for it in the evening. I would then have to complete my homework after training.

Q: Do you actually get enough sleep?

A: It's a routine already and I'm used to it. But I tend to get sleepy at school on some days (laughs). However, I don't think that it affects my training in any way.

Q: What do you think you must do to further improve your times?

A: I'll have to continue working hard and never give up. I'm looking forward for more international level competitions so I must keep it up to prove I deserve a spot.

Q: What is the ultimate goal for you in the sport?

A: It would be to compete at the 2010 Olympic Games in London. I'm not keeping my hopes high because there are plenty of challenges ahead but I'm hoping to just improve on my times and see where it takes me.

Q: Do you think that you're close to reaching it?

A: (laughs) I never dreamt that I would be a youth Olympian but it happened. It's unpredictable at this point.

Q: Who is your biggest supporter?

A: I would have to say that person is my mum. If I have two training sessions, she would even wake up at 4.45am to take me for the morning one then the one in the evening. She's been awesome providing me transport.

Q: Any last comments before we end the interview?

A: I would like to thank my coach, my supportive family and swim mates that helped me to where I am today.

The Brunei Times