S’wak swimmers ‘ready’ after pulling all the stops

KUCHING (Aug 18): As the Sarawak swim team gears up for the Sukma XXI challenge, head coach Raymond Chang can’t help but reflects on the training, obstacles they’ve overcome, and his aspirations for the team.

“At this final stage, we’ve brought all our swimmers together to train as a unified team,” he shared.

“I’m proud to say that both the swimmers and coaches have done everything possible to prepare for the competition. The swimmers look fantastic, and we’re ready.”

Their journey did face many challenges. The ongoing renovations at the Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre meant that there were times they had to train at the Youth and Sports Complex (KBS) pool.

“Another challenge has been managing training schedules around the varied academic commitments of our swimmers,” the coach revealed.

“Some of our athletes are preparing for major exams like the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), making it difficult to maintain a consistent training routine. We understand the importance of their studies, so finding a balance has been crucial,” he explained.

When it comes to expectations, the team coaches emphasized personal growth over medals.

“My main hope for this team at Sukma is for them to achieve as many personal bests as possible. I want them to perform to the best of their abilities and leave the competition with no regrets,” Chang said.

Among the strong medal prospects for the team are baskstrokers Jeff Chua (PB: 27.12secs in 50m) and Hii Puong Wei (PB: 58.43 in 100m and 2:07.25 in 200m).

In long-distance 800m and 1,500m freestyle, Kelly Teo (PB: 9:31.86 and 18:13.13s) and Magdalene Lau (PB: 9:30.37s and 18:08.33)  are the brightest prospects.

At the 20th Sukma in Kuala Lumpur, the Sarawak team ranked fifth place overall, collected five gold,  nine silvers and seven bronze medals to finish fifth overall in the sport.

Puong Wei picked up three golds in the 100m backstroke, 200m backstroke and 100m breaststroke while Kelly won the 400m and 800m freestyle.

“Swimming might seem like an individual sport, but it’s very much a team effort,” Chang said.

“It’s hard to compare this team with the last one because the dynamics are different. Sukma 2022 had older swimmers due to the extended age limit after Covid-19 lockdowns, so they were more mature and knew exactly how to prepare.

“This year, we have many younger swimmers experiencing Sukma for the first time. They’re understandably more nervous, and so are their parents. But overall, they’ve put in their best efforts.”

Last week, a psychologist worked with the swimmers to help them manage pre-competition nerves and uplift morale.

Sukma XXI swimming events will take place from Aug 19-23 at the Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre.