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LIVING & TRAVEL Interview with Elvin Chia, Malaysian Olympic Swimmer Name: Elvin Chia Age: 19 Home town: Malaysia Olympic event: 100m and 200m Breast; 400m Medley Relay Favorite food: Chinese Food & Ice Cream Favorite TV show: The Fresh Prince Other sports: Basketball Read more Team Malaysia Olympic coverage on Tripod!

Tripod gets further into the swim of things with Team Malaysia and introduces you to Elvin Chia, Malaysian Olympian. Tripod: How did you get involved in swimming? What age? Is it a big sport in Malaysia? Elvin Chia: My parents. 8 years old. No. Tripod: What's your training schedule like, including out-of-water workouts? Are you a full-time student? EC: I'm a full-time student. I train 2 hours in the morning and 3 hours in the evening. Tripod: Why are you training in the United States? Are there other Malaysian athletes besides the swimmers training here? EC: I made the qualifying time and the International Olympic Council (IOC) sent us here to train. Tripod: Can you compare the differences between training resources and coaching in the United States vs. Malaysia? EC: The coaching is much better than Malaysia. I train more over here than at home. Tripod: How do you think the Olympics are viewed in Malaysia? Is it a big deal to be an Olympic athlete? EC: Yes. It's very proud to be an Olympic athlete in Malaysia. Tripod: What are your hopes in the competition? Winning your event? A bronze medal? Breaking personal best times? Relays? EC: I hope to improve my personal best time and do my best I can. Tripod: Out of the 34 Malaysian athletes, who do you think is your best hope for a medal? Which event? EC: I think badminton. Tripod: Anything you want to say to your friends over in Malaysia who might be reading this? EC: Wish them all the best in there future and I love you Mom and Dad. Illustration by Federico Jordan, a freelance illustrator based in Mexico.