KUALA LUMPUR: When he was eight years old, Khiew Hoe Yean told his mother that he will one day swim at the Olympics.
Not many kids of that age, standard two schoolers, would have such a lofty thought.
Hoe Yean did, and 14 years later, he is now headed for the Paris Olympics later this month.
Hoe Yean revealed today that he always knew he will one day swim at the Olympics.
"I told my mother that I was going to the Olympics after attending my first meet at eight years old," said Hoe Yean at the National Aquatics Centre today.
He will fulfil his childhood prophecy, albeit through an Olympic wild card in the 400m freestyle.
"I'm elated and excited to go to Paris," said the 22-year-old who aims to better his national 400m freestyle record of 3:48.36 set at the Australian Open in April.
The Kuala Lumpur-born swimmer thanked his parents for their sacrifices in order for him to fulfil his ambition.
"My mother is ecstatic about me heading to the Olympics. Both my parents have made big sacrifices for me to become an athlete.
"They sent me to practice, and cooked meals for me so I can get the nutrition I need," added Hoe Yean who will go to Ireland next week for a training camp with national teammate Tan Rou Xin.