Waiting was a cruel game for young swimmer David Tolu Young who is one of two swimmers selected to represent Fiji to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games in the sport of swimming.
Young and Anahira McCutcheon were selected as they achieved the highest World Aquatics Point score in their individual Olympic event.
Before their selection, the 19-year-old who shares maternal links to Savusavu said everyday was a mental struggle as his Olympic fate was still unknown.
“Since waiting for the decision to come it was a bit of a mental strain for me. I was caught off by surprise when I was selected. I am very grateful and honoured to be able to represent my country and I’m very happy for this experience to happen,” he said in an interview with this newspaper.
Young who represented Fiji at the 2023 Pacific Games will be taking part in the men’s 50m freestyle in France.
“Now that the decision has been made, I’m really focusing on my 50m event. I think by the time I come to compete; I’ll be really ready to swim hard.
“I currently have the Fiji 50m record in the freestyle, I’d like to break that again if I could and really just try to express Fiji when I’m competing in France,” he added.
Young and 15-year-old McCutcheon’s selection speaks volume of the talent Fiji Swimming has.
“I think age shouldn’t really be a barrier for anyone whether you’re young or old, i think you can achieve whatever you put your mind and heart to,” Young said.
The duo is with Team Fiji at Divonne-les-Bains for pre- training camp before moving to the game’s village on July 18 in Paris.
