Looking back, I never imagined that starting a sport at the age of 12 would eventually lead me to represent Malaysia in international finswimming competitions. At that time, I was simply a young person trying something new. I had no idea how much the experience would shape the person I would become.
Over the years, swimming became more than just an activity. It became a huge part of my life, teaching me discipline, patience and the importance of showing up even when things were difficult. Eventually, I had the opportunity to represent Malaysia in competitions in Indonesia and Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Those experiences are memories I will always be proud of.
Of course, the journey was not always easy. Competitive sport requires commitment, and there were moments when training felt exhausting. Finswimming also comes with its own physical challenges, from managing heavy fins to dealing with injuries and the pressure of competing against strong athletes. There were times when progress felt slow, but every challenge taught me something about myself.
One of the biggest lessons I learned is that success is not always about winning. Sometimes, it is about the courage to keep going, the discipline to improve and the willingness to learn from difficult experiences. Representing my country was an achievement I will always treasure, but I am equally grateful for the lessons I gained along the way.
Today, my life looks different. I am studying law, which comes with its own challenges, deadlines and long hours of studying. Although I have retired from competitive finswimming, I have not stopped enjoying sport. Swimming, running, yoga and Pilates are still ways for me to stay active and take a break from the demands of university life.
My relationship with fitness has changed, too. I no longer need every training session to lead towards a competition. Sometimes, moving my body is simply about feeling good, clearing my mind and making time for myself.
If there is one thing I would tell my younger self, it is to never underestimate what can happen when you give something a chance. Starting at 12 did not mean I was destined to become an international athlete, but it gave me an opportunity to discover what I was capable of achieving.
You do not have to become a professional athlete to find meaning in sport. You do not even have to be particularly good at it when you begin.
Sometimes, the most rewarding journeys start with a single decision to try.
So, if you think you have missed your chance to start something new, ask yourself this: what if you gave yourself permission to begin anyway?
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