Panthers of ISKL #287: The ES Aqua Panthers
At ISKL, passions are encouraged from an early age. For Joseph X. ('33) and Yifan L. ('32), that passion is swimming. As proud members of the ES Aqua Panthers, both students are making waves in and out of the pool.
Joseph, who once feared water, is now a state-level swimmer and record holder. Yifan, a newcomer to ISKL, brings international experience and a love for competition. Guided by supportive coaches and a close-knit team, both are building not only swimming skills but also confidence, resilience, and friendships.
Here are their stories:
Joseph X. (‘33)
Please tell us about yourself.
I've been at ISKL since Grade 1 and am currently in Grade 4.
I have been at ISKL for four years. My parents think it’s a good place for me to experience diversity and prepare for being a global citizen.
As a swimmer, I broke the ISKL under-8-year-old all-events record in Grade 3. I have always been grateful to be part of the ES Aqua Panthers.
When did you first start swimming?
I started learning to swim when I was four and training when I was seven.
At the beginning, my mom pushed me to learn because I was scared of water and couldn’t enjoy the poolside playdates in Malaysia, a tropical country. By chance, I started my training journey and gained more confidence in swimming. I am proud of transitioning from being afraid of water to being a state swimmer.
Do you have a favorite stroke or swimming race?
My recent favorite stroke is butterfly (50m/100m), thanks to my technique helped me break the meet record in 50m butterfly (Group 5) when representing ISKL at Splash Swim 2024. I also won two gold medals in the 100m butterfly at the AIMS Final and the AIMS Primary.
But it’s a long way to go. Who knows, in the future? What I can do is “keep training” to improve four strokes overall for a better me. It’s too early for me to determine my main stroke. For primary swimmers, improving the four strokes at the current stage will broaden our future path.
Can you tell us about your last swim meet?
My last swim meet in school was the AIMS primary, which happened on May 5. I swam in five events: 100m fly, 50m fly, 200m IM, 100m back, and 100m free. In my age group, I was still 9 years old and had to compete with 10-year-old swimmers, but I won in the 100m fly to get one gold medal representing.
ISKL. I did well in the last swim meet, but I stay humble, because I know I have quite a lot of areas to improve in.
In February 2025, I qualified as a state swimmer to attend the Malaysia Invitational Age Group (MIAG) Swimming Championship. I have been representing the state of Kuala Lumpur for the last 2 years. In MIAG, I got a medal in the 50m butterfly; I hope I can win more next year when it’s my advantage year.
How do you balance school, swimming, and other things you like to do?
Thanks to my dad, I always have help with time management. For example, after school, I usually go straight to training and have gotten used to eating along the way.
When I get back home, I need to do some English readings and homework, and I have to do stretches because swimming makes my muscles tight. I also enjoy playing football and piano at home.
There is never enough time. This also makes me realize that balancing swimming and academics is important for bettering myself.
What has being part of the ES Aqua Panthers team taught you?
That’s a very important part of my story. I want to give a big thank you to Coach Petra and Coach Ben. They helped me improve my dive, which used to be my weakness.
What’s the best part about being on the ES Aqua Panthers team?
The best part is the team. Coach Petra and Coach Ben’s generosity and encouragement made me feel like I belonged on the team.
Tell us something challenging about swimming.
One difficult part for me is the mental side. The last stretch of every 100 or 200-meter race gets tiring, but my coaches help me through that: every swimmer feels the same physically, the difference is mentally. Besides, it’s normal for every swimmer to want to win their race. Coach Petra always tells me to rest for five minutes when I feel upset, which helps me calm down.
“Mistakes are meant for learning, not for repeating.”
What would you say to other students who want to join the ES Aqua Panthers?
First, you need to make clear what you want. If you need a friendly team to feel at home, congratulations, you found the right place, “Aqua Panthers!” If you pursue competitive swim training, it isn’t always fun. You need to be ready to challenge yourself countless times and have less free time to play with friends.
Secondly, we’re lucky that ISKL offers the best facilities and a supportive coaching team. We need more peers who love swimming and are willing to challenge themselves. Swimming training and competition also build friendships. It’s not just about beating others; it’s more about connecting with them. You might cry after a meet if it didn’t go well, or be happy if it did. But we are always one Aqua Panther team.
Finally, my experience of different-level swim competitions taught me to respect competitors. There is no shortcut to success in any sport. You have to work harder and smarter.
What are you looking forward to next season?
My swimming goal is always to break my personal best times, and I want to break some meet records in my age group next year to prove myself. Winners are not people who never fail, but people who never quit.
I hope more ISKL Elementary swimmers can work harder as a strong team next year at the AIMS Finals and AIMS Primary. Go, Panthers!
Yifan L. (‘32)
Please tell us a little about yourself.
I joined ISKL at the start of the school year. I'm from China. I started swimming when I was about four years old. Before moving here, I lived in Bangkok and Australia.
You mentioned starting swimming at a young age. What keeps you motivated?
Swimming is a big part of my life. Now, if I don’t go to training, I might cry!
How often do you train?
I have group classes with my club three or four times a week, and sometimes I train with ISKL on Saturdays. I also have a private session with my coach every Sunday.
Do you have a favorite stroke or event?
My favorite stroke is butterfly, but my favorite event is the 100-meter freestyle.
Tell us about your last swim meet.
It was a primary-level meet at school. Our team placed third overall. My coach, Coach Petra, decided to have some of the newer swimmers do the relay to help with team strategy and scoring.
How do you balance swimming with your schoolwork and other interests?
I usually prioritize swimming. I used to train early in the mornings with the Middle School team, but it was hard to wake up, so now I train in the afternoons after school with my club.
What’s it like being part of the ES Aqua Panthers?
It’s fun and I’m surrounded by friends. I don’t attend school training that often, but when I race and represent ISKL, it feels great.
What’s the best part about being on the team?
The glory of representing your school!
What do you find most challenging about swimming?
It depends on how you feel. If you're in a good mood, it helps your performance. I wasn’t feeling my best during the AIMS final, and my scores reflected that.
What would you say to students considering joining the ES Aqua Panthers?
Aqua Panthers always have space for you, no matter what level of swimming you’re at.
What are you looking forward to in the next swim season?
The AIMS final! We will have a pretty strong team next year.
Do you know of any student, teacher, parent, or staff who always have an anecdote to tell, love to share some insights into their passions and interest, or simply is a Panther through and through? Nominate them to be featured in our Panthers of ISKL stories by sending in your submissions here.