Savour BlackBookAsia Magazine interviews Jonathan Tan, a 18 year-old student athlete from Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) and member of Singapore’s national swim team. He learnt to swim when he was 5 and started competitive swimming at the age of 8. Since then, he has always enjoyed the feeling of water and the adrenaline rush during competitions. Jonathan train 10 times a week before and after school with the National Training Squad. Swimming has provided him numerous opportunities to travel overseas, either to participate in competitions or training camps. (FINA World meets, Asian Games, Sea Games) It is also a tradition for his family to go for year end vacations and spend some quality time together. In fact, they have recently made several diving trips which have been truly memorable.

1. What is your dream destination and why?

There are many beautiful places to visit. For me, I would love to make a trip to the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador.  My love for wildlife and the oceans, especially the thought of swimming with exotic marine life certainly mesmerises me.  It will be a dream come true to explore the dive sites at Galapagos and swim alongside with the school of rays, hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, orcas, dolphins, sea lions and many more wildlife co-existing there. I will also be thrilled to pay a visit to their marine iguanas, penguins and catch the blue-footed booby birds on the islands.

2. Three things that you could never travel without?

Since 2018, I decided to pack a small pillow to all my overseas trips, giving me proper neck support in the plane and hotel. My second item would be my GoPro Hero 7! Be it in sea or land, this versatile device knows no boundary and allows me to capture all my sweet memories. Lastly, it seems like I always have a pair of swimming trunk and goggles wherever I go. I guess training never stops!

3. Which destination surpassed your expectations and surprised you the most?

It was certainly my trip to The Maldives. Beforehand, all I heard was how The Maldives would never fail to impress. But I did not take it seriously until I experienced it first-hand and realised that all the chatter was true! Nestled on a private island amidst clear waters in the Indian Ocean, the luxurious off-shore water villa at Lily Beach Resort & Spa was a perfect gateway. Some memorable experiences include chilling by the poolside during sunsets, candlelight meals under the stars and scuba diving with whale sharks and eagle-rays. It is certainly a destination that I would recommend to any couple, family and friends to visit one-day.

4. Where and what was your most memorable meal you have ever had while travelling?

The best meals I had was at Bunaken Oasis Dive Resort, Indonesia, whereby the service and cuisine they offered was top notch. It was a special 3-course menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner everyday. I still remembered that the seafood they served us was freshly caught on the day itself, in an environmentally and sustainable manner off course.  In addition, their service was truly commendable as they were always polite and attentive to all our needs.

5. Where are you looking to travel to next?

I am hoping to qualify for the now postponed 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Followed by a visit to Raja Ampat Islands in the Indonesian Archipelago. It will be fun to live on board and explore the beauty of these tropical islands, a natural habitat to birds, mammals and reptiles.

6. What projects are you currently working on?

Currently, I am still a student-athlete in my final year of high school at ACS(I). Hence, my current focus will be juggling between swimming and academics. During my limited free time, I am pursing hobbies in finance / investing and photography.

7. Do you have any tips or advice for budding athletes?

Yes I would love to. I would say to love the nature of your sport and to embrace its competitiveness. In addition, always stay focus on your goals and remember that it is always mind over body, success never comes overnight.