Interview with young sportswoman of the year, Felicity Passon |28 January 2017

‘Anything is possible if you put your mind to it’

Winning the young sportswoman of the year title once is truly a remarkable feat for any young athlete, winning it twice is even more special, but three times in a row is truly incredible.

Only two athletes have managed this feat – the first was badminton player Juliette Ah-Wan (1997, 1998 and 1999), but the latest person to achieve this is swimmer Felicity Passon, who was awarded her third young sportswoman of the year award for a third consecutive time.

Swimmer Passon has been Seychelles’ best young swimmer for quite some time and has constantly managed to improve on national records and claim medals for her country.

While she was not present to pick up her award, which was received by her sister, Sports NATION managed to catch up with the swimmer, who has a busy schedule with training and school exams. What follows is our interview with Felicity Passon.

Sports NATION: It is now the third time you win this title, does winning such a title change you in anyway?

Felicity Passon: Winning such a title doesn't change me, but it makes me happy to know that my hard work has paid off.

Sports NATION: According to you, what does it take to win such a title?

Felicity Passon: Continuous hard work and perseverance.

Sports NATION: How would you describe your 2016?

Felicity Passon: 2016 was a tough year for me. I've had to battle health issues as well as family issues. Following my competition in South Africa in April I had to stop training for a couple of months in order to address my medical issue. I had a heart operation at the end of May in order to correct my problem called SVT (supra ventricular tachycardia). I had a smooth recovery. Despite all that I ended the year with such a great performance. So I guess in the end, 2016 was a good year. I am always so grateful to everyone who have supported me through these tough times.

Sports NATION: What would you say was your best moment of 2016?

Felicity Passon: The best moment for me in 2016 was in Canada at the world championships where I swam five races, all of which were national records and personal best times, which I was very proud of. I finished with a great ranking of 24th overall out of 100 people. After a tough year, I was really happy to finish on a high.

Sports NATION: You were not present to receive your award in person, but what would have been your reaction upon hearing your named called out if you were there?

Felicity Passon: I would have been happy to have heard my name being called out.

Sports NATION: What are you plans for 2017?

Felicity Passon: My plan for 2017 is to train as normal and aim to compete in April for my next big competition. I will have to focus more on my studies though, as I am in my final year of A-levels, so it will be very tough. I am due to start University in America in August, so I'm quite excited.

Sports NATION: What do you think needs to be done to further promote sports in Seychelles?

Felicity Passon: I think that athletes should be given more incentives in order for them to stay focused. Sometimes even if you love a sport, it's hard to stay motivated.

Sports NATION: Do you feel you could win the award for a fourth consecutive time?

Felicity Passon: I won’t be able to win it a 4th time, as I am turning 18 this summer, so I will not qualify for the junior category.

Sports NATION: Do you have any advice for other young athletes in Seychelles?

Felicity Passon: For all other young athletes out there, or anyone with a dream or a goal, I'd like to say that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. If you really do want something, then there's no doubt you will get it. Just keep persevering through the tough times and it'll all be worth it in the end.

Sports NATION: Is there anything you wish to add?

Felicity Passon: I would like to thank everyone who supported me and helped me get through the year. From my family and friends, to the National Sports Council (NSC), the Seychelles Swimming Association (SSA), the Seychelles Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (Socga), my school and my coaches and my sponsors as well.