Noe Ponti's career has taken him to many places around the world, with the Swiss swimmer often traveling to different countries for competitions.
But it was a two-week trip to Kenya after the Paris Olympics that not only changed his outlook on life, but also helped propel him to faster times in the pool.
In August, the 23-year-old, having suffered the disappointment of returning from the Games empty-handed, traveled to the small coastal town of Watamu, about 105km from Mombasa, to help a friend who is building a school there.
What struck him was how the locals, even though they do not have much in terms of materialistic things, are carefree and always smiling, always happy.
"This makes you really see the world in a different perspective, because we're always complaining about everything," Ponti told The Straits Times on the sidelines of a media session at Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy on Oct 28 ahead of the Singapore leg of the World Aquatics Swimming World Cup.
"We have everything that we need and they have nothing, but still, they're enjoying life more than we do. The goal is just to try to enjoy life as much as possible and focus on the positive things, not the negative things."
The event, which is the third and final leg of the short-course series, runs from Oct 31 to Nov 2 at the OCBC Aquatic Centre.
Esta historia es de la edición October 29, 2024 de The Straits Times.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición October 29, 2024 de The Straits Times.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
British novelist David Lodge was twice shortlisted for Booker Prize
British novelist David Lodge, who was shortlisted for the Booker Prize twice, has died at the age of 89, his publisher said on Jan 3.
A CITY FOR BABIES
After a successful experiment, The City of Babies Lab has opened a new permanent space dedicated to children aged from birth to 23 months.
Scientist Names 16 New Spider Species After Jay Chou's Songs
A Chinese scientist has named 16 new spider species after songs by popular Mandopop musician Jay Chou.
Actress JJ Jia Xiaochen upset with hubby for not remembering wedding anniversary
Chinese actress JJ Jia Xiaochen has grumbled about her husband, Hong Kong action star Louis Fan, on social media again.
Actress Chen Liping leaves Mediacorp after 40 years
Actress Chen Liping, a household name in the local entertainment industry, has left broadcaster Mediacorp after 40 years.
Raising four cats costly, but gives Rui En four times the joy
In this new series, The Straits Times speaks to pet-owning personalities about the trials and delights of raising their fur kids
Vet Talk Check that your pet is eating safely during the festive season
Pet ownership is on the rise in Singapore, with many families treating their furry companions as one of their own.
Learning to embrace change positively
On the last evening of our recent family holiday, my three children were having a boisterous conversation in the bedroom of the apartment we were staying in.
STRONGER, TOGETHER
Good parent-teacher relationships can boost a child's confidence and holistic development
Roaring Off To A-League Adventure
Tan makes Brisbane debut as sub in loss to Canberra on her return from knee surgery
