Cover Ian Ho (Photo: Christopher Thomas Smith/Tatler Hong Kong)
Ian Ho (Photo: Christopher Thomas Smith/Tatler Hong Kong)
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This month, freestyle swimmer Ian Ho will represent Hong Kong at the Paris Olympics. He talks to Tatler about making Hong Kong proud, life as a student and professional athlete—and why relaxing is the way forward
“I started going to the pool with my dad at a very early age. He taught me and my sisters how to swim at our local aquatic centre,” says Hong Kong swimmer Ian Ho. “I still have memories of him teaching me to swim. He would take us to the section of the pool where we couldn’t touch the bottom—and let go.”
Today Ho is a decorated athlete, having won a silver medal in the men’s 50-metre freestyle at the 2023 Asian Games—a moment he is incredibly proud of. “It was my first international medal. I felt extremely happy to have been able to make Hong Kong proud. A lot of my friends and family were watching on TV, along with Hong Kong people too. I’m glad I could share this special moment with them.”
Ho was born and raised in Blacksburg, Virginia to a physics professor father and a piano teacher mother. Though he didn’t grow up in the SAR, he did train in the city with the Hong Kong team for two years at the height of Covid-19 when borders were closed. Ho qualified for the Hong Kong Olympic team and represented the city in Tokyo, swimming freestyle in the men’s 50-metre and 100-metre events. “I still feel a strong connection with Hong Kong, and after representing Hong Kong at the Olympics and Asian Games, I am always overwhelmed by the support I feel from the people of this city,” he says.
“Supported” is a term that comes up often with Ho, who relies on his expert team of coaches, nutritionists and physios for guidance. “They all help me push my limits and be the best that I can be. My family and friends also play a key role in keeping me grounded and I know that I always have their support no matter what.”
Above Paris will mark Ho’s second Olympics. Ian Ho wears a Fendi outfit (Photo: Christopher Thomas Smith/Tatler Hong Kong)
Paris will mark Ho’s second Olympics. Ian Ho wears a Fendi outfit (Photo: Christopher Thomas Smith/Tatler Hong Kong)
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Life in the lead-up to race day is gruelling, but a consistent training routine and a game plan keep Ho on track. “I have identified that the weakest part of my race is my start, so I have been focusing more on my flexibility leading up to this Olympics.” Ho works closely with his coach to ensure he meets his goals. “During the season, we talk about which competitions I will target. This gives me perspective when we are in the middle of training because I know that there is a plan.”
The 27-year-old graduated from Virginia Tech in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and is now working towards his PhD, specialising in additive manufacturing, a process of joining materials to make objects from 3D model data.
“I have a passion for creating— whether it’s through building, designing or crafting. From woodworking to digital design and 3D modelling, I really enjoy bringing ideas to life. I also like playing other sports like volleyball and disc golf.”
Above Ian Ho at the Christiansburg Aquatic Center in his hometown of Blacksburg, Virginia (Photo: Christopher Thomas Smith/Tatler Hong Kong)
Ian Ho at the Christiansburg Aquatic Center in his hometown of Blacksburg, Virginia (Photo: Christopher Thomas Smith/Tatler Hong Kong)
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A typical day for Ho consists of early morning practice, visits to the lab—where he spends most of his time writing and researching— before heading to afternoon practice or the gym. Obviously, he eats too— and while nutrition is important, Ho says his meal plans are fairly simple. For context, in 2008, before the Beijing Games, rumours swirled that swimming legend Michael Phelps would consume 12,000 calories a day to keep up with the demands of his vigorous training. Though the swimmer debunked those rumours in his 2008 autobiography No Limits: The Will to Succeed (confirming that he actually ate a measly 10,000 calories a day), the fascination with athletes and their diets continues to make headlines.
Above Ian Ho wears a Brunello Cucinelli
outfit (Photo: Christopher Thomas Smith/Tatler Hong Kong)
Above Ian Ho wears a Gucci outfit (Photo: Christopher Thomas Smith/Tatler Hong Kong)
Ian Ho wears a Brunello Cucinelli outfit (Photo: Christopher Thomas Smith/Tatler Hong Kong)
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I feel a strong connection to Hong Kong ... I am always overwhelmed by the support I feel from the people of this city.
“I don’t track my calories,” says Ho. “For the most part, I try to eat fairly healthily and supplement my diet with protein shakes, if needed. My post-practice breakfast typically consists of five to six eggs and three waffles, and my lunches and dinners are frequently rice with protein and vegetables. I always have snacks with me, so I rarely go long periods without eating. I definitely don’t eat as much as Michael Phelps did.”
Though he doesn’t have much downtime, Ho wouldn’t have it any other way. “I think that having [classes] as well as swimming helps me maintain my balance in life. It’s important that I can have an outlet away from swimming, so that if I have a bad practice, I’m not dwelling on it.”
Though the athlete is under pressure ahead of the Olympics this month, Ho is trying to enjoy the ride. “All you can do is to try your best. This will be my second Olympics. I feel like I know what to expect this time around—and have more confidence and experience going into it. You swim the fastest when you’re relaxed, and one way I relax is through talking to people. I love seeing all my friends from different countries. It reminds me why I love swimming. It brings people together.”
Above Ian Ho (Photo: Christopher Thomas Smith/Tatler Hong Kong)
Above Ian Ho (Photo: Christopher Thomas Smith/Tatler Hong Kong)
Ian Ho (Photo: Christopher Thomas Smith/Tatler Hong Kong)
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Credits
Styling: Cherry Mui/Tatler Hong Kong
Art Direction: Zoe Yau/Tatler Hong Kong
As Content Director at Tatler Hong Kong, Tara shapes the brand's editorial vision and reports on Asia's most influential figures — from CEOs and business leaders to designers. In her dual role as Head of VIP, she curates star-studded events and builds the relationships and communities that define the brand. Born and raised in the Middle East, she honed her craft in Dubai, crafting communication strategies for luxury brands across the Gulf. Follow her on Instagram @tarasobti.
