Olympic silver medalist Ben Proud reflects on Malaysian roots ahead of talent clinic in Kuala Lumpur

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 27 – For Britain’s Paris 2024 Olympic silver medalist Ben Proud, his Malaysian upbringing is a core part of his identity and the foundation of his swimming success.

Although born in London, Proud, now 30, grew up in the vibrant community of Kuala Lumpur. His journey to the Olympic podium shows how cultural heritage can fuel ambition and resilience.

His formative years at the Alice Smith School on Jalan Bellamy allowed him to embrace a culture that celebrates inclusivity and diversity, which shapes his approach to life and sport.

“My entire childhood and teenage life revolved around Malaysia,” says Proud, reflecting on the unique experience of growing up as an expat in a country known for its welcoming atmosphere.

“Living here has shaped me enormously. I developed an openness to different cultures and a relaxed mentality,” he said in an exclusive interview with Malaysian Post.

Proud’s early swimming achievements included standout performances in Selangor events and the Malaysian Open, where he won a silver medal in the 50m butterfly while breaking the national record – although this was not recognized due to his British nationality.

“Most people know me as the British swimmer who competes for England,” he said.

“I haven’t had the typical swim, which I find exciting. My cultural experiences influenced the way I started swimming and helped me maintain my passion as an adult.”

At the age of 15, his career took a crucial turn when he started training under Malaysian coach Francis Kiu.

“He had a unique way of thinking about the sport, with an emphasis on visualization and problem solving,” Proud said.

Kiu’s mentorship changed his approach to swimming. “His coaching style was different from all European coaches I encountered. He focused on training to race rather than just training for practice.

Under Kiu’s leadership, Proud embraced ambitious goals, including the dream of becoming world champion.

“His belief in me made me believe it too,” he said, emphasizing the importance of Kiu’s influence.

After moving to England, Proud encountered different coaching styles, but continued to use Kiu’s advice in his training.

“I still follow his philosophy: ‘Train to race, don’t train to train.’ It is crucial because many swimmers excel in practice but struggle in competition,” he said.

In 2023, Proud returned to Malaysia for a month to reunite with Kiu for training.

“It was nostalgic and fulfilling, it reminded me of our early days together,” he said, adding that the visit reaffirmed his bond with the culture that shaped him.

Despite his strong ties with Malaysia, Proud faced a complex decision about national representation.

“At 16 I had the option of dual citizenship, but I chose to move to England for better resources and opportunities. “I always wished I could represent Malaysia, but this path felt necessary,” he said.

Looking back on his identity, Proud rated his connection with Malaysia at eight out of ten.

“Malaysia embraces diverse cultures and communities. I never felt unwelcome there, which makes the country so special,” he added.

Ben Proud’s legacy is undeniable, marked by world, European and Commonwealth titles. His near misses at the Olympics – fourth at Rio 2016 and tied for fifth at Tokyo 2020 – only fueled his determination.

In a thrilling final, Proud finally claimed Olympic silver in the men’s 50m freestyle, finishing just five-hundredths of a second behind Australian Cameron McEvoy, while Frenchman Florent Manaudou took bronze.

Ben Proud’s Paris 2024 Olympic silver medal. — Photo by Sayuti Zainudin

His success is not only a personal victory, but also honors his roots. Proud’s parents run an interior decoration company in Kuala Lumpur, and his older brother, Oliver, has represented Malaysia in wakeboarding.

While Proud revels in this achievement, he remains an ambassador for both his British heritage and his Malaysian upbringing, showing how these cultures have shaped his journey to Olympic success.

Proud is currently back in Malaysia for the “Ben Proud Talent Pool swim clinic”.

Since its launch in 2017, the clinic has become a beacon of hope for young athletes aged seven to 17. This year, the clinic will continue to give novice swimmers the opportunity to learn from Proud himself, who will work with his coach. , Kiu.

As part of AirAsia’s Dare to Dream initiative, the clinic not only hones swimming techniques but also instills essential life lessons such as perseverance, goal setting and mental resilience.

For Proud, this event marks a full-circle moment, allowing him to inspire the next generation of swimmers in the same environment where his own journey began.

With 34 talented participants, the clinic aims to strengthen AirAsia’s role as a ‘dream enabler’ and encourage young people to pursue their passions and dreams.