Apsara Sakbun, Cambodia’s top female swimmer and an Olympic athlete, recently made a stop in Indianapolis for the Asian American Alliance, Inc.’s Seat at the Table event, where she shared insights into her journey as a swimmer, her career beyond the pool, and her goals for the future. As an athlete who has broken barriers in Cambodian swimming, Sakbun’s visit and her reflections can inspire not only for the Asian-American community, but also for all aspiring leaders who look to make a lasting impact.
In our conversation, Sakbun spoke candidly about the challenges and triumphs that have defined her career so far, offering a glimpse into what lies ahead for her after the 2024 Olympics.
Beyond Sakbun’s achievements in the pool, she has carved out a successful professional career. After graduating from Ball State University with a degree in Business Analytics, Sakbun took on a leadership role as a Securities Operations Associate at Wells Fargo. Reflecting on the unique balance of being both an elite athlete and a professional in a demanding industry, she shared that both worlds have honed her discipline, leadership and resilience.
“Swimming has taught me how to manage time and keep my focus, but my professional role has shown me how to collaborate and work in high-pressure environments,” she explained. “These skills overlap, whether I’m training for a competition or managing financial transactions at work.”
During her time at Ball State, Sakbun not only made a name for herself in the swimming world but also excelled academically, earning multiple honors and serving as captain of the women’s swim team. She still holds three national records for Cambodia and remains the highest-placed female Cambodian swimmer in history.
With the 2024 Olympics completed, Sakbun is focused firmly on making her mark on the international stage. She has already represented Cambodia on numerous occasions, and this next opportunity will be a defining moment in her career. While competing at the Olympics is undoubtedly a milestone, Sakbun is also looking ahead to how she can use her platform to influence the next generation of athletes and leaders.
“I’ve been fortunate to achieve many of my goals, but after the Olympics, I want to focus on giving back,” Sakbun said. “There’s a lot of untapped potential in Cambodia’s swimming community, and I want to help develop that talent.”
Her passion for leadership is not confined to athletics. At Wells Fargo, Sakbun serves as Vice President of the Early Careers Graduate Program, where she mentors young professionals. She has been instrumental in organizing networking events and leadership development programs aimed at fostering the next generation of business leaders. It is clear that Sakbun’s drive extends beyond personal success; she is dedicated to building a legacy of empowerment.
When asked about what inspires her, Sakbun spoke about the importance of role models, both within her family and in her professional and athletic circles. Growing up as a first-generation Cambodian-American, she had to navigate the complexities of two cultures while finding her own identity. Her experiences have shaped her perspective on the importance of representation and mentorship, particularly for Asian-American women in spaces where they have historically been underrepresented.
“My family has been my biggest support system,” Sakbun said. “They’ve taught me to stay grounded and remember where I come from.”
Through her work with the Asian-American Leadership Summit and other initiatives, Sakbun is paying forward the lessons she’s learned, ensuring that others have the same opportunities to succeed. She remains passionate about creating spaces for Asian-Americans in leadership roles, particularly women.
Sakbun’s visit to Indianapolis comes at a time when conversations about representation in both sports and corporate leadership are growing. For many attendees at the summit, her story resonated deeply. As an Olympic athlete and a business leader, Sakbun embodies the possibilities available to young Asian-Americans who may feel limited by societal expectations.
“There’s no one way to achieve success,” Sakbun said, emphasizing that both her athletic and professional careers have taught her to defy expectations. “For people of color, especially women, it’s crucial to see that we can excel in any field we choose—whether it’s in the pool, the boardroom, or anywhere else.”
Her advice to aspiring leaders? “Never limit yourself. Embrace challenges, because they’re what make you stronger and better prepared for what’s next.”
Contact multi-media & senior sports reporter Noral Parham III at 317-762-7846. Follow him on X @3Noral. For more sports news from the Indianapolis Recorder, click here.
