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Sheamus and his parents Dick Chew and Janne Voon.
KUCHING (Sept 19): In a remarkable display of talent and determination, Sarawakian swimmer Sheamus Chew Heng Yi has been named the Excellent Swimmer at the just-concluded Majlis Sukan Sekolah Malaysia (MSSM) 2024 Swimming Event in Kuala Lumpur today.
Competing in the boys’ 12-and-under category, Sheamus etched his name in the record books by setting eight new records—a feat that has left his family, coaches, and supporters beaming with pride.
Sheamus’s incredible journey saw him break records in eight events: 100m backstroke (1:07.07), 50m butterfly (27.4), 200m freestyle (2:11.21), 100m butterfly (1:02.80), 100m freestyle (58.14), 50m backstroke (31.04), 200m individual medley (2:25.72), and 50m freestyle (26.36).
His outstanding performance not only earned him the top swimmer award but also highlighted his rising star in the swimming world.
Watching Sheamus’s triumphs from the sidelines were his proud parents, who have supported him every step of the way.
His father, Dick Chew, recalled the beginnings of Sheamus’s swimming journey.
“He started swimming at nine years old, inspired by his cousin, Cayden Mineve Chin, who is also a swimmer.
“Cayden would go for training and competitions, bringing home medals, and Sheamus would watch him, fascinated. One day, he told us he wanted to swim like Cayden.
“He would follow Cayden to the pool, so we decided to send him for training at the Power Aquatics Swimming Club,” Dick said.
From those early days of tagging along with his cousin, Sheamus has grown into a dedicated athlete.
“He has shown full commitment to his training, attending sessions every morning and night,” Dick continued.
“We’re incredibly proud of him and deeply grateful to the club and his coach for guiding him to where he is today.”
Reflecting on his success, Sheamus expressed gratitude to those who have supported him.
“I want to thank my coach and my parents for their constant encouragement and support,” he said.
Looking ahead, Sheamus has his sights set on the SEA Age Championships in Thailand at the end of this year.
He has already qualified in the B category during the Sport Excel Swimming Circuit held in August, and hopes to be selected to represent his country on the international stage.
But Sheamus wasn’t the only Sarawakian making waves at the MSSM 2024.
Chereen Ngo Yirui also delivered a stellar performance, breaking the record in the girls’ under-15 1500m freestyle with a new time of 18:39.67.
Meanwhile, Dylan Leong Yi Quan shattered the boys’ under-15 50m backstroke record, setting a new benchmark at 27.73.
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