Daniel delighted to be Beijing-bound but stays realistic on medal chances

KUALA LUMPUR: National swimmer Daniel William Henry Bego, who will be making his Olympics debut in Beijing come August, has described it as a “dream come true.”

“I’ve represented Malaysia at the SEA Games, the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games. It’s every athlete’s dream to make it to the Olympics,” said Daniel, who is of Iban-Chinese parentage.

Better known as Daniel Bego, the 19-year-old, however, was realistic about his chances of bringing back any medals.

“This is my first time and I will be up against the best swimmers in the world. I just want to do my best and have fun there. I’m glad because I’m going to be part of this momentous event.

“For me, (at the Games) to renew the national record will be a great achievement,” he told Bernama.

Daniel will be competing in three events in Beijing — the men’s 100m, 200m butterfly and 200m freestyle. On his preparations for Beijing, Daniel said he spent about five hours daily under the guidance of Australian coach Paul Birmingham at the National Aquatics Centre in Bukit Jalil, alongside four other Olympic-bound swimmers.

The Miri-born Daniel previously trained under the supervision of another Australian coach Gavin Urquhart.

The other swimmers who will also carry the Malaysian flag at the Beijing Games are Siow Yi Ting, Khoo Cai Lin, Lew Yih Weh and Leung Chii Lin.

— Bernama