18-year-old M’sian diver Elvis Priestley goes viral for his name… and impressive diving skills

On Monday (Aug 19), an 18-year-old boy from Sarawak made waves by winning the men’s 3m springboard diving competition at the 2024 SUKMA Games
But it isn’t just his performance that is raising an eyebrow or two.
His name is Elvis Priestley Clement. We kid you not.
Obviously, his parents are fans of rock legend Elvis Presley who passed away in 1977.
Elvis, the diver and not the singer, also went on to secure another gold medal in the men’s 10m platform synchronised event with diving partner Enrique Maccartney Harold.
Sporting dives with a minimal splash, some netizens have gone on to compare him to divers such as former Olympian Tom Daley, and Chinese gold medallist, Quan Hongchan.
In an interview with the media, Elvis shares that he has been training in the sport since he was seven.
He now has plans to medal at the World Aquatics Junior Diving Championships 2024 in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.
Netizens were of course tickled by his unique name with one writing that “his parents have a wicked sense of humour”
“They can’t not know their kid will be teased endlessly, right?” read a comment while another said “it is known Sarawakians are really creative in naming their children”.
However, many Malaysians are also excited at the prospect of another athlete bringing back Olympic gold for the country.
“Cannot wait to see him win an Olympic medal in the future,” said a netizen.
We can only imagine the crowd’s reaction when his name flashes across the screen at Los Angeles 2028.
Photos: Sarawak Eye, Bernama News