An important milestone

SEA Games to be crucial indicator of Podium Programme athletes’ progress

PETALING JAYA: The Kuala Lumpur SEA Games is set to provide a sneak preview of what can be expected from the Podium Programme athletes at next year’s two major Games.

Podium Programme director Tim Newenham (pic) expects the elite athletes to soar at the KL Games from Aug 19-30.

That, he said, would set them on the right track as they gear up for the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia (April 4-15, 2018) and the Asian Games in Jakarta and Palembang, Indonesia (Aug 18-Sept 2, 2018).

“The performances of the Podium athletes will give us an indication of their preparations for the Commonwealth Games and Asiad. It’s a pathway for the Podium athletes to attain greater things,” said Newenham.

There are 117 Podium athletes but not all will compete at the KL Games.

“A few shuttlers are involved in the World Championships (in Glasgow, Scotland, from Aug 21-27). (Squash ace) Nicol David is not competing either. There are some injured athletes undergoing rehabilitation and we’re trying to make sure they’ll be fit and healthy for the Games,” said Newenham.

“We expect the Podium athletes to perform exceptionally well as they’re the best of the best.

“Some of them are gold medal prospects, but not all are expected to win. We’ll be satisfied if some of the young potential athletes set new personal bests. That will show that they are on the right track for the bigger Games.

“A Podium athlete will not be dropped if he or she does not win a gold medal as their objectives are beyond the SEA Games.

“For others, a gold does not guarantee them a place in the Podium Programme either.”

Newenham also stressed on the importance of mental preparation for the KL Games.

“In psychology, there are three responses – fight, flight and freeze – that are linked to pressure when an athlete competes in big events,” he said.

“Some will fight hard during competition, some may take flight when faced with challenges and some may suffer stage fright and freeze.

“It’s our job to help these athletes to be in the right state of mind to put into practice the right skills and to confront the crowd boldly. That will translate into good results.”