The exhilarating moment of earning a spot to represent Brunei Darussalam at the prestigious Olympic Games is an accomplishment that fills the heart with pride. This year’s Games in Paris, a grand return to European soil after over a decade since London 2012, showcased Brunei’s rising stars.
Swimmers Hayley Wong Ann Yue and Zeke Chan Zhi Yue, alongside sprinter Muhammad Noor Firdaus Ar-Rasyid bin Haji Muhammad Idris, carried the nation’s hopes with their determined and spirited performances on the world stage.
DREAM REALISED
At just 16 years old, Hayley, a talented swimmer representing Brunei Darussalam, found herself living a dream at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The journey to this monumental stage was anything but easy, but Hayley shared that it was driven by passion, discipline and a clear vision.
From setting goals that pushed her limits to preparing herself both physically and mentally for the pressures of elite competition, she embraced every moment leading up to her Olympic debut.
In an interview with the Bulletin, Hayley opened up about her incredible experience in Paris, recounting the unique atmosphere of the Olympic Village and the thrill of being part of such a prestigious event.
Even the BBC took notice, interviewing her about the pride she felt in representing the Sultanate on the world stage.
Competing in the women’s 50-metre freestyle event, Hayley finished second in Heat 4 with a time of 28.52 seconds, placing her 50th out of 79 swimmers.
“I gave it my all during the heat,” she reflected. “Reaching the semi-finals and competing with the top 16 swimmers in the world was a challenge.”
For Hayley, the Olympics were not just about competition; they were a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
She marvelled at the opportunity to meet other athletes, all with dreams of gold, and cherished the chance to cross paths with Olympic stars like Léon Marchand, who made history with four gold medals and set new Olympic records in each of his individual races.
“I also met Pan Zhanle, a Chinese freestyle swimmer, Olympic champion, and current world record holder of the 100-metre freestyle event, as well as Rafael Nadal, a Spanish professional tennis player.”
“One thing I learnt from this swimmer is that we have to be mentally strong and not give up easily,” Hayley said.
“Overall, the Olympic experience was unlike anything I’ve ever been through. The support was overwhelming, and I know I can push myself even further in future competitions,” Hayley reflected. However, the wait was challenging.
“I had to wait for 10 days before my event – the 50-metre freestyle – because it was one of the last to be held.”
Not only did she compete, but Hayley also had the honour of being Brunei Darussalam’s flag bearer at both the opening and closing ceremonies, a moment she described as deeply humbling and an incredible honour and opportunity that she is so grateful for.
Hayley also gave a glimpse into life at the Olympic Village, which she described as vibrant and full of energy.
“It was an entertaining experience, with so many activities and a wide array of cuisines.
There was free food and drinks at vending machines, and a Village Club where athletes could hang out and mingle. We even exchanged pins with athletes from all over the world,” she said.
“The Village Club was a great spot to unwind,” she added.
“There were plenty of activities to keep us engaged, and sporting events were shown on a large projector. I also spent time cycling around the village, which was quite safe since there were no large vehicles around.”
DISCIPLINE MATTERS
When asked about her preparation for the Olympics, Hayley revealed that it involved months of rigorous training.
“There were six months of consistent preparation, including intense sessions in the gym to build strength and endurance,” she explained.
This preparation also overlapped with her participation in the ASEAN School Games in Da Nang, Vietnam, where she broke the national record in the 50-metre freestyle event, clocking in at an impressive 27.94 seconds.
Before the Olympics, Hayley had already made her mark on the international stage. She competed in the Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad and Tobago, the Asian Age Group Aquatics Championships in the Philippines, and the World Championships in Doha, Qatar.
In Trinidad and Tobago, she shattered the national record in the women’s 50-metre butterfly event with a time of 29.31 seconds, surpassing the previous record of 29.63 seconds at the National Aquatics Stadium.
She also set a new national record in the 200-metre breaststroke, finishing in 2:53.79, eclipsing the earlier record of 2:55.10.
Now back in the Sultanate after three weeks in Paris, Hayley is eager to return to the pool and prepare for her next competition.
However, balancing her athletic career with academics remains a priority, as she prepares for her GCE O-Level examinations, which begins on September 30 until November 17.
“I need to catch up on schoolwork after being away for three weeks, but my teachers at Pengiran Anak Puteri Masna Secondary School have been supportive, sending me assignments online. Fortunately, I haven’t fallen too far behind in my studies,” she noted.
Hayley also emphasised the importance of maintaining a consistent study schedule.
“Discipline is key. It’s essential to stick to a study plan and avoid procrastination as much as possible,” she added.
FUTURE FOCUS
When asked about her future plans, Hayley shared that her next goal is to compete at the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Bangkok, Thailand, at the end of this November, where swimming is among the featured events.
“I’m also aiming for the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, and I believe I can surpass my current record before then,” she added confidently.
Reflecting on her motivation, Hayley expressed deep gratitude for the unwavering support of her parents.
“They are the backbone of my success. Their encouragement has been invaluable,” she said.
Hayley also extended her thanks to the Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council (BDNOC) and the Brunei Darussalam Swimming Association for their continued support in her journey. – Azlan Othman
