Ex-Sukma swimmer shares joy, challenge watching daughter compete at Sukma XXI

KUCHING (Aug 20): Returning to the Malaysia Games (Sukma) after two decades, this time as a parent, Lau Yui Siew, a former competitor herself, shared her emotions and experiences as she watched her daughter, Christy Yao Xuan Wong, take on the challenges of the prestigious event.

“It’s really exciting to see all the young competitors; it brings me back to my childhood memories,” said Lau, reminiscing about her own days in the competition.

“I am even more nervous to be a parent than when I was the one competing 20 years back.”

Lau, who participated in Sukma 1996 in Pahang, Sukma 1998 in Shah Alam, and Sukma 2000 in Penang, never expected her daughter to follow in her footsteps.

“I really never expected Christy would have this opportunity to be in the team,” she told The Borneo Post when met at the Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre.

Balancing Christy’s academic pressures with the demands of training for Sukma has been no easy feat, she added.

As a Form 5 student with upcoming Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) mock exams in October and the real exams in December, Christy faced significant challenges.

Lau has been there every step of the way, offering her full support as Christy committed to Sukma. Each morning, Lau wakes up early to take Christy to training, carefully managing her nutrition, while also ensuring she had enough rest.

Reflecting on her role as both a former athlete and now a parent, Lau shared that she has been offering advice from her own experience.

“I have been sharing all this while, but I believe she can’t really get what I was saying until she really gets involved in this herself.”

Witnessing Christy’s journey to Sukma has been both rewarding and challenging for Lau.

“For these past few months, I felt bad seeing her in pain and tiredness, both physically and mentally exhausted.

“But I am thankful that she never gave up and sacrificed a lot because she wants to perform her best in Sukma,” she said with a mix of pride and concern.

Lau vividly recalls the moment she saw Christy step onto the pool deck as a Sukma athlete for the first time. Her heart raced with nerves, a reflection of the deep emotional investment she has in her daughter’s journey.

Reflecting on Christy’s training, Lau feels a profound sense of gratitude for the unwavering support from her daughter’s coaches, who have been there for Christy every step of the way, particularly through the challenges of intense dryland training.

Christy’s hard work paid off in the Sukma XXI swim event, where she achieved a personal best time of 32.63 seconds, a significant improvement from her previous 34.01 seconds.

For Lau, seeing Christy’s progress was beyond words, filling her with immense pride.

As a parent, Lau emphasized the importance of being involved in their children’s athletic journeys.

“Full support is the most important thing for them, mentally and physically. But I am also thankful that she has her coach who fully supports her, especially when she’s really down.”

Looking back on her own Sukma achievements, Lau proudly remembered winning a bronze medal in the 4x100m Freestyle relay team during the 1996 and 1998 games.