Photography CHER HIM Styling DANIEL GOH
Singapore national swimmer, Russell Ong, is on an upward swing. Not only did he make a splash by almost beating swimming icon Ang Peng Siong’s long standing record of 22.69 seconds this year, the publicity surrounding his accomplishment has even got the attention of film veterans Eric Khoo and Gilbert Chan.
His film debut, Ghost Child, is a supernatural horror flick where he displays his acting chops alongside actors Chen Hanwei, Carmen Soo and Jayley Woo; A pretty good score for someone with no acting training. The bold gambit seems to have paid off: Ong coyly admits that his appearance in the film has garnered him various job offers.
Despite being amicable and sweet, there’s no denying the underlying passion he has for his chosen sport. Although at age 24, Russell is the oldest member of the national team, he has a strong competitive determination to win the elusive gold medal before he hangs his swimming trunks up for good.
“Competing in the upcoming Rio 2016 Olympics is a dream of mine; but I would love to swim in the 2015 SEA Games, scheduled to be held in Singapore. Maybe even bring glory to Singapore on home soil. Of course, there’s the motivation to take on Ang Peng Siong’s record of 22.69 seconds in 50m Freestyle that I came pretty close to breaking,” he enthused….
For the full interview, grab your issue of Men’s Folio August 2013 edition on newsstands!
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