KUALA LUMPUR – Competing in the Olympic Games is the highest achievement for any athlete, but having the opportunity to compete more than once is an even more extraordinary accomplishment.
This is the direction Malaysia Swimming aims to pursue after being impressed with the debut performances of young swimmers Khiew Hoe Yan and Tan Rou Xin at the recent Paris Olympics.
Despite their short-lived campaigns, both athletes showcased impressive performances.
21-year-old Hoe Yan, competing in the 400-metre freestyle, achieved a time of 3 minutes 51.66 seconds.
Meanwhile, 18-year-old Rou Xin, in the 100-metre breaststroke, finished first in her heat but did not advance to the semi-finals, with a time of 1 minute 12.50 seconds.
Speaking to Scoop, Malaysia Swimming secretary-general Andy Low explained that while both swimmers are young and have the potential to represent the country in another Olympic edition, specifically Los Angeles 2028, it is difficult to predict their careers over the next four years.
To ensure they remain competitive, the governing body will provide full support to the two swimmers and place complete trust in the plans laid out by the new technical director from the United States, Megan Oesting.
“We are pleased with their performances; they showcased strong swimming in Paris and gained valuable experience competing against the world’s best swimmers.
“They are still young, and I am hopeful that they will deliver even more in the next Olympics.
“While we cannot predict the future, we have planned their programme with the guidance of our technical director. We will provide them with the best support possible,” said Andy when contacted.
For the record, the Malaysian swimmers with the most Olympic appearances are Alex Lim and Siow Yi Ting, each having competed in three editions of the Games.
Alex made his debut at Atlanta 1996 and notably advanced to the semi-finals in the 100-metre backstroke at Athens 2004, which was also his final Olympic appearance.
Yi Ting made her debut at Sydney 2000 and competed through to Beijing 2008.
Although the Olympic campaign in Paris has ended for Hoe Yan and Rou Xin, they now need to prepare early to lead the national swimming team for the upcoming Sea Games in Thailand, which will be held in December.
In the previous edition in Cambodia, Malaysia secured only one gold, three silver, and six bronze medals.
The sole gold medal for the country was contributed by Hoe Yan in the 200-metre freestyle event. – July 31, 2024
