No substitute for hard work, says Thai para-swimmer Anchaya
Thai rising star Anchaya credits hard work for her APG exploits
She flashed a wide, infectious smile as she loitered outside the pool at the OCBC Aquatic Arena, and for good reason too.
After all, just moments before, Anchaya Ketkeaw had collected her fourth gold medal at the 8th Asean Para Games (APG) yesterday afternoon.
It was another day to remember for Anchaya (below) as she won the women's 100m butterfly S9, finishing almost 10 seconds ahead of compatriot Surerut Komkeaw.
At the moment, she is tied with Singapore's swim star Theresa Goh as the most bemedalled athlete at the Games, but the remarkable thing about the Thai youngster's achievement is that she is only 17.
Even from a brief conversation, it was clear to see that - apart from her talent in the pool - she is just your average teenage girl.
She burst into a fit of giggles when first approached for an interview, tried her best to answer in English after each question was translated by a team official, and matter-of-factly listed "surfing the Internet" as her favourite hobby.
"Of course, I'm very happy to win another gold medal," she told The New Paper.
"I don't really have a secret (to my success)…
"It's just about hard work and I train very hard every day.
"Hopefully, I can finish the Games as the athlete with the most medals."
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Despite her tender years, Anchaya is fully focused on what she is aiming to achieve in the coming years.
The student, who is currently in the equivalent of Grade 10, added: "Now, my main aim is to do well at this Games.
"Then, I would like to qualify for the Paralympics in the next few years.
"Apart from swimming, I also hope to one day work for the government in Thailand."
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