Kuala Lumpur: Ben Proud, the 2024 Paris Olympics silver medallist is proud to be named as AirAsia’s ‘Dare to Dream’ campaign ambassador, an initiative aimed at empowering young athletes in the Association of South East Asian Nations (Asean) region.
The English swimmer was candid enough to share his personal journey of overcoming challenges and setbacks as he reflected on the perseverance that led him to win the silver in the 50-meter (m) freestyle at the recent Olympics Games.
“Three years ago, I was at one of the lowest points in my life, unable to even talk about the setbacks I faced.
“But in those tough moments, I found the strength to keep going, and now, standing here with an Olympic medal, I am grateful for every high and low I have experienced along the way,” he said in a statement on Friday.
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“I am honoured to partner with AirAsia to show young athletes that even in the darkest times, there is always a path forward.
“Returning to Malaysia, with AirAsia by my side and reuniting with coach Francis Kiu, to inspire the next generation of swimmers is a moment that truly brings my journey full circle,” he added.
Meanwhile, AirAsia brand Co chief executive officer (CEO) Rudy Khaw praised Proud’s perseverance and success.
“We are more than proud of Ben’s accomplishments at the recent Olympics. I can’t think of anyone more deserving.
“We started our journey with Ben in 2017 with an aim to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics and he showed his strengths year after year by breaking records, winning world championships, the Commonwealth Gold and so much more. Despite missing out on podium finishes in previous Olympics, Ben continued to break records and never gave up.
“True to the spirit of ‘Dare to Dream’, he kept pushing, never losing sight of his goal. We’re happy to have Ben back in Malaysia where his swimming career first began,” he said.
Proud will be participating in the Ben Proud Talent Pool clinic, held at the Team Q Swim Academy in Petaling Jaya, as part of the Dare to Dream initiative, where he will work with aspiring swimmers and share his experiences.
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