KUALA LUMPUR: Sabah's 400m runner Chelsea Cassiopea Evali Bopulas has a unique name to go with her beauty.
The 23-year-old Kadazan lass was urged by friends to go for a modelling career, but she prefers to focus on athletics and studies.
Chelsea, who is pursuing a degree in psychology and education at Universiti Malaysia Sabah in Kota Kinabalu, will compete in the women's 400m in next month's Phnom Penh Sea Games for the first time.
She qualified for the Sea Games by clocking 55.34s at the Malaysian Track and Field Championships in Bukit Jalil in February.
Chelsea, who won the Malaysia Games 400m gold last September, said she was asked by many to take up modelling but is not interested.
"For now, I just want to focus on athletics and my studies. I have never thought about modelling.
"I'm excited to represent Malaysia in the Sea Games," said Chelsea, who will feature in the 400m, 4x400m and 4x400m mixed relay.
"I know too well that even if I do a personal best in the 400m, it will still be tough for me to finish on the podium as the other athletes in the region have clocked faster times.
"I will be happy to qualify for the final and do a personal best," said Chelsea, who is trained by Dzul Fikar Awang.
Chelsea's compatriot, the United States-based Shereen Samson Vallabouy, who has clocked 52.27s in the NCAA Division Two Indoor Track and Field Virginia, last month, will start as the 400m favourite in the Sea Games.
Chelsea took part in the 4x400m in the Philippines Open at Ilagan City last month, teaming up with Nurul Aliah Maisara, Winnie Eng and Mandy Goh to clock 3:54.17s for gold.
Chelsea said with the presence of Shereen in the 4x400m, they are expected to clock a much better time at the Sea Games.
Chelsea will also compete in the Singapore Open from April 26-28 in preparation for the Sea Games.