By Roselyn B. Monroyo
Variety News Staff

REZNE Wong was in Melbourne, Australia from March 27 to April 1 to compete in the 12th FINA World Championships, but as he was seeing swimmers larger than life, the Marianas High School student can’t help but become a fan of the world’s best talents in the pool.
“Before the trip, I was determined to get autographs and have conversations. It was a whole different situation when I got there however. I was an equal swimmer just like them, and they had to focus on their swimming too,” Wong said when asked about his experience in Melbourne.
“I saw those fast and dominating swimmers like Michael Phelps, Ryan Lochte, Tara Kirk, Natalie Coughlin, Libby Lenton, Leisel Jones, Aaron Piersol, Cullen Jons, Fillippo Magnini, Brent Hayden, Ian Crocker. Those I had seen only on TV,” he added.
“There were times when I was just a few centimeters away from them and had the best chance to ask for an autograph. But I decided to do it the last day of the competition. It was quite embarrassing, but I knew all those watching me wanted the same autographs, but I was the one who had enough guts to do it,” Wong added.
Before his autograph signing session with the swimming stars, Wong competed in 10 events in the eight-day meet and posted six lifetime best swims. He joined in the 400m free (4:36.90), 100m (1:15.95), 50m breaststroke (33.89 seconds), 200m freest (2:12.08), 100m free (58.13 seconds), 200m individual medley (2:20.94), 200m breaststroke (2:34.84), 400m IM (5:10.44), 50m free (27.13 seconds) and 100m butterfly (1:07.01).
“I was so nervous and I thought I would have a breakdown. I was not too good for the first two days because I wasn’t fully rested after the 28-hour trip. I wasn’t mentally prepared,” said Wong, who was at first intimidated by the big event.
“Just the thoughs of being in the world championships electrifies you with a surge of excitement, apprehension and intimidation. I never felt that way before,” he added.
But after a few days and a conversation with coach Michael Stewart and prayers, Wong settled down.
“After a few days I was more physically prepared for the races. Mentally, however, I still had some work to do,” said Wong, who was wary of six foot athletes towering over him in the pool/hotel, the massive crowds, 10 cameras filming before and after the swims.
“But I managed to block it all out on Day 3. Prayers help when you feel so small and so pressured,” he added.
Despite not having perfect LTBS at the world championships, Wong was satisfied with his performance and hopes to do better next time.
“I will go for faster times and better performance. I have a lot of things in mind, but I am going to stick with swimming,” said Wong, who also has participated in a couple of long distance run races on the island.
Wong added that he is dedicating his performance in Melbourne and in future tournaments to his coach and famiy, especially his mom.