Ireland’s women’s backstroke record holder Lottie Cullen continued her impressive run by claiming victory in the women’s 200m backstroke at a swimming meet in Kuala Lumpur this week.
Cullen won the 19-and-above open category event at the Malaysian Invitational Age Group Swimming Championships held at the National Aquatic Centre in Bukit Jalil, clocking 2:14.47.
The time would have been sufficient to secure gold at the Southeast Asian Games, highlighting her competitive standard at the regional level.
Spent part of her childhood in Malaysia
According to The Star, while Cullen represents Ireland internationally, she has close ties to Malaysia.
Her mother is from Ipoh, Perak, and she spent part of her childhood there before moving to Ireland at the age of 10.
When I was younger, I really wanted to represent Malaysia. My mother is from Ipoh but I was born outside Malaysia. We did try many times to get a Malaysian passport but then it was difficult at that time,” said Cullen.
As her swimming career progressed in Ireland, her competitive pathway became more closely aligned with the country.
Feels connected to Malaysia
Cullen added that she still feels connected to Malaysia and described the local swimming community as welcoming.
She also noted that Malaysian food remains a strong personal link to her roots during her visits.
Currently studying accounting at Ulster University in Belfast, Cullen continues to compete for Ireland internationally and has set her long-term goal on qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
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