PETALING JAYA: Here’s some fun facts about the first British man to win gold in the modern pentathlon at last year’s Tokyo Olympics – he loves roti canai, Hokkien mee and durian.

       By no means is this your typical English fare. But Olympic champion Joseph Choong is no ordinary Joe.

       His father, Dr Michael Choong, is a Seremban boy who is now a general practitioner in Chislehurst, London.

       In an interview with Dr Choong, he said his two sons have strong ties to their Malaysian roots.

       “Both Joseph and Henry love Malaysian food, in particular roti canai, chicken rice, Hokkien mee and also durian.”

       Dr Choong, 54, shared his pride and joy in watching Joseph win the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics last year.

       The modern pentathlon is the only sport created especially for the modern Olympics and consists of pistol shooting, fencing, swimming, horse riding and running in a one-day event.

       Joseph, 26, was the first British man to become an individual Olympic modern pentathlon champion by leading from start to finish.

       Dr Choong recalled it was a beautiful sunny Saturday morning with his family watching Joseph compete live from the television at their home in Orpington on the outskirts of London.

       “Within seconds of him crossing the finish line, the phones started ringing from family and friends around the world, with many cheers, hugs and happy tears of answered prayers.

       “I still remember that moment clearly and it brings a smile to my face every time I recall that moment,” said Dr Choong.

       The next day also saw many video calls and congratulatory messages coming from family and friends around the world.

       He said the family always knew Joseph could bring home the gold in the event but they also knew how difficult it was, especially for the modern pentathlon.

       “We were nervous for him because so many things could happen to prevent him from being selected or even competing at the games.

       “With that, I would like to thank God, Joseph was able to deliver the victory,” he said.

       Dr Choong said practising an active and sporty lifestyle was a norm among his five siblings when growing up.

       “My siblings represented Negri Sembilan in an array of sports although none of us was at national standard level.

       “My father Joseph Choong Yoon Choong, however, was the sporting hero in our family and represented Malaysia (Malaya then) in football,” he said, adding that he, his brothers and father studied at St Paul’s Institution while his sisters studied at the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus.

       He said his son was named after his grandfather, as he was the first grandson born following the senior’s passing in 1993.

       According to Dr Choong, he and his wife Beverley cultivated an interest in sports in their sons from a young age.

       “We had them start with swimming and for winter, we would take them skiing.

       “Although the boys have participated in football and tennis, they were naturally better at rugby and helped their squad win several club county championships,” he said.

       However, trips to Malaysia were rare due to everyone’s busy schedules.

       Dr Choong said he hopes for Joseph and Henry to compete alongside one another for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

       “It is Joseph’s motivator to continue if he can compete next to his brother.

       “God willing, they will,” he said.