ASUM SAD TO LET BIRMINGHAM LEAVE

Head coach expected to take up Canada job

THE Amateur Swimming Union of Malaysia (ASUM) have reluctantly agreed to let their long-serving head coach Paul Birmingham leave the national setup after next month’s Indonesia Asian Games.

ASUM secretary Mae Chen disclosed yesterday that she had a heart-to-heart talk with the Australian, and felt it would be selfish of the national body to stop him from leaving.

Birmingham, who has spent a decade with the national team, handed in his resignation letter in early June.

“Obviously this is a huge loss for us but we cannot be selfish as he has informed us that he has received a better offer.

“It is a good chance for him to further his career,” said Mae Chen.

Birmingham is expected to take up a coaching job in Canada.

“He has done a lot to help our swimmers, he leads by example and has always motivated them well.

“As a result, many new records have been set.”

Birmingham, 44, has helped develop many top-class swimmers, including Daniel Bego, who won five gold at the 2009 Laos Sea Games, Khoo Cai Lin, Siow Yi Ting, Phee Jinq En and Welson Sim.

Among Birmingham’s greatest achievements are guiding Welson to Olympic ‘A’ category qualification in the 200m and 400m freestyle for the 2016 Rio Games.

Mae disclosed that ASUM have already advertised for a national coach to replace Birmingham on the websites of the world federation, United States and Australian Swimming Union.

ASUM hope to fill the position before the 2019 Philippines Sea Games.