BOXER John Marvin will represent Team Philippines in the South East Asian Games next month.
Marvin, 24, of Cowes, is eligible to compete, as his mother, Tess, was born and raised in the Philippines, giving him dual nationality.
For the army boxer, a former pupil at Cowes High School, competing for the Philipines will fulfil a life-long ambition.
He said: “It’s an amazing opportunity to represent the country.
“I have looked forward to an opportunity like this for so long and am thankful I have been given this chance.
“It really means a lot to me and hopefully it will open lots of doors for my future.”
During his six year boxing career, Marvin has enjoyed many successes and he is currently the 2017 armed forces cruiserweight champion. 
The South East Asian Games will take place in Kuala Lumpur in August.