The Steeple Times asks Olympian swimmer Amini Fonua: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?
“Don’t judge, be open-minded and approach everything you do with love” – You can never go wrong.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
“Never underestimate the power of forgiveness”.
Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2013?
I miss Atomic Kitten so much. Negative energy is also unacceptable in 2013.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
Ugh, swimming! I think about it every day and I miss my teammates more than anything.
What might you swap all your wealth for?
Love.
Donald Trump was once a case of: “If you owe the bank a thousand, they close you down; but if you owe the bank a billion, you own the bank”. What’s your view on the banking crisis?
I think fiscal irresponsibility should be punished just as much as fiscal responsibility should be rewarded. Regardless of the amount, there must be checks and balances.
What phrase or word do you most loathe?
“Belch”: I think it’s such a crude word.
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home”. What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
I’m a poor student so at many times I think I’m my own charity case. I’m extremely passionate about water safety in Tonga and I always send as much swimming equipment I can over there.
The judge in Law Abiding Citizen states: “I can pretty much do whatever I want” before being blown up whilst answering her mobile phone. What’s your view on the appropriate use of such devices?
I think it’s both a blessing and a curse to always be connected at all times.
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
I’m not sure how many I could have, but certainly RuPaul, Margaret Cho, Jackie Collins and Kathy Griffin.
If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?
I would probably opt for a chicken satay burger, fries and a chocolate milkshake at a place called Burger Wisconsin in New Zealand.
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
It’s 5 o’clock somewhere, so anytime.
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
A cup of tea.
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
I enjoy parties where you can control the music and you’re surrounded by your closest friends. That way, if you make a fool of yourself on the dance floor, nobody will judge you.
Who is the most positive person you know?
A lovely girl called Alia Atkinson who swims for Jamaica. I’ve seen her go through so many tough times and somehow she always pull through with a smile on her face.
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
Ice cream.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
A very mystical unicorn or maybe a howling wolf.
If you were a car, what marque would you be?
Eek, I don’t know much about cars. I ride the bus to and from school. Also, when I move to New York, I don’t think I’ll be able to have a car either. I want to say I’d be a Jaguar, maybe an old school one.
Cilla Black presented Surprise, Surprise. Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
My fingernails grow back freakishly fast. It’s a problem.
What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
Photos of my family, lovely letters from my best of friends, and little trinkets I’ve collected over the years.
Amini Fonua is a Tongan swimmer. He holds dual Tongan and New Zealand citizenship and competed at the 2012 London Olympics. He is currently at Texas A&M and is completing a major in senior telecommunications and media studies.
Follow Amini Fonua on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/aminifonua
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