KUCHING: The mystery of why a national backup diver is named after a rock and roll legend has finally been answered — by his father.
Elvis Priestley Anak Clement has become a sensation at the Sarawak Malaysia Games (Sukma), thrilling fans with his stunning performances that earned him two gold medals and one silver at the Pandelela Rinong Aquatics Centre.
But the burning question on everyone's mind: why is he named after American rock and roll icon Elvis Presley?
The answer lies with his father, Clement Merom, who shared the story behind the unique name.
"It was a friend's idea," said Clement.
"My father-in-law had already named my daughter Madonna, so when my son was born, a friend suggested I name him after Elvis Presley.
"I tweaked the spelling to Priestley… because if I'd kept the original spelling, he might've ended up a singer instead of a diver!" he joked.
Clement, a 43-year-old soldier, described Elvis as a quiet child who was always active and had a natural love for water.
"He was always eager to jump in, whether it was a river or a pool," Clement recalled.
As a young boy, Elvis often accompanied his father to swimming training.
"He absolutely loved being in the pool," said Clement.
The turning point came when Elvis was in his first year of primary school.
Sarawak Sports Council officials visited his school for athlete selection.
Elvis came home with a letter, eager to become a diver.
"I signed the letter without reading it, only to discover later that it was for diving," said Clement.
Elvis showed a strong commitment to training, but Clement admitted it was tough to watch his son endure the rigorous and demanding routines of diving.
"The training for diving is nothing like football or rugby… I'd know, because I play both sports," said Clement.
"It was so intense that sometimes I cried watching him. His coach would tap his head or shoulder when he made mistakes, but I didn't see it as abuse — it was for his own improvement."
As a soldier, Clement understood the importance of mental toughness, both for himself and his son.
Elvis is now part of the development programme in Bukit Jalil, and Clement acknowledged the sacrifice he and his wife have made in letting their son pursue his dreams.
"We hardly see him now. He comes home once or twice a year, and only stays for two or three days."
Before moving to Kuala Lumpur to join the national diving team, Elvis trained near the army camp where Clement was stationed.
"I used to drive him 45 minutes each day to the Pandelela Rinong Aquatics Centre for training," he said.
Elvis's mother, Stephanie Meresit, said it would be the proudest moment of their lives if he qualifies for the Olympics one day.