Twenty-one-year-old Johann Stickland hopes to follow in his sister Lushavel Stickland's footsteps as he will take on the world's best when he competes in the 100m freestyle in the Paris Olympics.

"My older sister chose this path of representing Samoa and watching her enjoy every second and moment of representing it gave me a sense of pride to want to represent Samoa too," he said. 

"My older sister started swimming and I followed in her footsteps, as from a young age I was always around the pool during my sister’s training sessions." 

His role model is his sister and she is also the reason behind his participation in swimming.

"I owe my sister a lot for how much I love the sport today. I started swim lessons at the age of four back home in Melbourne where I was born. I love to race, I love the feeling of getting on the blocks and racing other competitors."

Stickland is enjoying every bit of Paris ahead of his competition. He didn't have any expectations for Paris but he is enjoying every moment of his first-ever Olympic trip. He does not have a particular diet as an athlete.

"I do not have a diet per say but I just try and be mindful of what I eat and don’t indulge too often in pleasure foods. The most challenging part of the sport is riding through the highs and lows of the sport."

He encourages all swimming enthusiasts. He said in swimming there are always people to lean on. 

"And know that in times of struggle, you aren’t alone as others probably have experienced the same feelings. But with perseverance and a bit of patience your time will come and anything is possible if you put your mind to it," he said.