Sarawak’s Swimming Star, Kelly Yao splashing her way to victory

Kelly alone contributes six out of the nine gold won by Sarawak Swimming Team at Sukma XXI Sarawak 2024 held from Aug 17 to 24 in Sarawak.

By Antonia Chiam

KUCHING, Sept 25: Sarawakian swimmer Kelly Teo Yao has once again proven her remarkable prowess in the pool.

At the young age of 18, Kelly’s journey from a novice swimmer to one of Malaysia’s premier aquatic talents is a testament to her dedication, skill, and unwavering commitment to her sport. A former student of SMK Kuching High, Kelly began her swimming journey at just six years old. Her early passion for the sport set the stage for what would become an extraordinary career.

A wave of triumphs in Sukma 2024

At the Malaysia Games (Sukma) XXI Sarawak 2024, Kelly’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. On the final day of the aquatic events, she clinched her sixth gold medal with an outstanding swim in the women’s 1,500m freestyle, finishing with a time of 17:56.21. This impressive achievement capped off a week of dominant performances.

Kelly’s gold medal successes also extended to the 200m freestyle, where she finished with a time of 2:05.12, the 400m freestyle with a time of 4:31.85, the 800m freestyle in 9:23.77, the 400m individual medley with a time of 5:02.95, and the 200m backstroke in 2:18.47.

Her versatility was further showcased as she earned a silver medal in the 4x200m freestyle relay, and claimed bronze in both the 100m backstroke (1:07.38) and the 4x100m medley relay. These achievements highlights not only her individual talent but also her ability to contribute to team events, demonstrating a well-rounded skill set that is rare in competitive swimming.

Kelly swimming to success through long hours of training.

Early Beginnings and Personal Growth

Kelly’s rise to prominence in swimming was not without its challenges. Initially competing against boys in her formative years, she displayed a fierce determination to prove herself. Her early experiences in the pool were marked by a relentless pursuit of personal bests, laying the foundation for her future successes.

In 2021, her hard work and dedication earned her a place in the national team, a significant milestone in her young career. Reflecting on her journey, Kelly credits her father, a former state swimmer and current swimming coach, as her primary inspiration. “I love how swimming allows me to focus on myself while staying active, as I am not the type to stay still,” Kelly shared. Her father’s influence and guidance have been instrumental in shaping her approach to the sport.

Supporters throng Pandelela Rinong Aquatics Centre to cheer for Sarawakian athletes during Sukma 2024.

Overcoming hurdles, from introvert to icon

The transition to a more demanding lifestyle came when Kelly moved to Kuala Lumpur (KL) at the age of 15 to train with the national team. As a self-confessed introvert, this move was challenging, requiring her to adapt to a more extroverted environment.

“Living on my own in KL since 15 taught me to handle things independently and be less introverted,” she reflected. This period of adjustment was not only crucial for her development as an athlete but also for her personal growth. The support of her family played a crucial role in helping her navigate these changes and thrive in her new surroundings.

A significant setback occurred three years ago when Kelly suffered a severe shoulder infection that forced her to miss several months of training. This period was particularly tough, testing her resolve and commitment to the sport.

“That period was incredibly difficult. I felt despair, but my family helped me through it,” she recounted.

Her recovery and return to competitive swimming were a proof to her resilience and determination, highlighting her ability to overcome adversity and continue her pursuit of excellence.

Kelly (centre) and her teammates in swimming manage to grab nine gold, one silver and seven bronze contributing to Sarawak’s overall championship during Sukma 2024.

Ambitions beyond the pool

Looking ahead, Kelly is preparing to start university next year, although she has yet to decide on her course of study. Her immediate focus remains on her swimming career, with plans to train for the Southeast Asian (SEA) Age Group Championships in the coming December and the SEA Games in 2025.

Beyond these competitions, Kelly has set her sights on broader goals, including participating in the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics. Her aspirations reflect her deep passion for the sport and her desire to compete on the world stage.

Apart from her sporting ambitions, Kelly has expressed a desire to travel and explore new cultures.

“I want to save up and travel. I want to visit China and Taiwan for the food,” she shared.

Despite her achievements, she remains grounded and appreciative of the simple pleasures in life, such as her mother’s cooking, which she admits is her favourite.

Kelly’s journey has been marked by a blend of remarkable achievements and personal growth. Her ability to balance intense training with the challenges of personal development is a testament to her dedication and resilience.

“If I’m not swimming, I feel like there’s nothing for me to do. Swimming is my life,” she declared.

As Kelly continues to make waves in the swimming world, her achievements and dedication serve as a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes. Hers is a tale of passion, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of excellence, and it is clear that she is a name to watch in the future of competitive swimming. — DayakDaily