CAI LIN RETIRES FROM THE POOL
Two-time Olympian finds it difficult to make a comeback after surgery
“I achieved everything I had set out to achieve and I feel it is time to move on to the next chapter of my life. At the moment, I am working for Dentsu Sports Asia as a sports marketing executive,” Cai Lin told Timesport yesterday.
“I have been in the national team for more than 14 years. As I am a distance swimmer, it is quite difficult to make a comeback from the surgery.”
“It has been a dream come true to represent the country at every level of competition. I had raced in different parts of the world, met competitors and friends, and won multiple medals, while breaking multiple records along the way.
“Juggling between school, training, family and friends wasn’t easy at all. But it became a natural thing to me that I could close my eyes and do it all.
“That was my life. I wouldn’t trade anything in the world for what I’ve been through. Would I do it again? Definitely! Because this time, I would know how to do things better, so I can avoid failures.”
On whether she will opt to compete in local meets, Cai Lin said it will depend on how well her rehabilitation goes.
“I still need to undergo two months of rehabilitation. I will see how it goes after that. I informed national coach Paul Birmingham and the Amateur Swimming Union of Malaysia my decision to quit yesterday. They wished me good luck,” said Cai Lin, who started off as a synchronised swimmer.
When asked about her most memorable outing as a swimmer, Cai Lin picked the 2007 Korat Sea Games where she won the 400m and 800m freestyle gold.
“My performance in Korat helped me qualify for my first Olympic in Beijing in 2008. I also did well in 2008 by breaking Nurul Huda Abdullah’s 20-year-old record in the 200m freestyle”, said Cai Lin, who also competed in the 2012 London Olympics.
Cai Lin made seven Sea Games appearances since the 2003 Vietnam edition and won a total of 15 medals – including five gold medals.
She is currently the national record holder in four events: 200m, 400m and 800m freestyle as well as the 200m b u t t e r f l y.