Sarawakian swimmer Hii Puong Wei breaks Sukma record

Hii poses with his gold medal after setting a new Sukma record in the men's 200m backstroke event held at Pandelela Rinong Aquatics Centre, Kuching on Aug 20, 2024.

By Shikin Loui

KUCHING, Aug 20: Sarawakian swimmer Hii Puong Wei set a new Malaysian Games (Sukma) record in the men’s 200m backstroke event today, securing him a gold medal.

He clocked in two minutes 6.59 seconds in the event at the Pandelela Rinong Aquatics Centre, erasing the previous record of two minutes 7.02 seconds.

The silver medal went to Federal Territories’ David Lee Boon Wei who clocked in a time of 2:11.32 while Selangor’s Aslan Adnan won bronze with a time of 2:11.44.

(From left) David, Hii and Aslan photographed during the medal presentation for the men’s 200m backstroke event held at Pandelela Rinong Aquatics Centre, Kuching on Aug 20, 2024.

Speaking to reporters afterwards, Hii himself expressed shock over his record-breaking performance despite already making a bid for a new record prior.

“We have already expected to break a new Sukma record since my personal best has surpassed that record. Thus, I only had to focus on doing my best to reach my personal best,” he said.

When asked about what he was going to do with the RM15,000 cash incentive that he will receive from the Sarawak government for contributing the gold medal, Hii said he will simply use the money to support his family.

(From left) Vivian, Kelly and Shanise photographed during the medal presentation ceremony for the women’s 200m backstroke event held at Pandelela Rinong Aquatics Centre, Kuching on Aug 20, 2024.

Apart from Hii, Sarawak also collected another gold in the women’s 200m backstroke event delivered by 18-year-old Kelly Teo Yao.

She clocked a time of 2:21.79, leaving Penang’s 13-year-old Vivian Tee Xin Ling (2:25.72) to win the silver medal while 14-year-old Sarawakian compatriot Shanise Jauwa Joseline Adong (2:28.97) secured the bronze.

Meanwhile, 14-year-old Sarawakian swimmer Chereen Ngo Yi Rui won the bronze medal in the women’s 200m individual medley.

For the 4x100m mixed relay event, Sarawak team comprising Jeff Chua Yu Yang, Hii Puong Wei, Magdalene Lau Ing Siew and Kelly Teo Yao, bagged the bronze medal.

After an impressive haul of three gold and one bronze yesterday (Aug 19), the total medal count of the swim’s team as of today stands at 5 gold and 4 bronze. — DayakDaily