Lim happy to be representing Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR: Things have been very hectic lately for Carmen Lim, who has to juggle between O-Level examinations and preparations for the Asean Para Games.
The 17-year-old Selangorian, who was born without a left arm, said: “I’m exhausted but happy to be representing Malaysia in the Games.”
Her examinations will finish next Friday, just in time for the Games which starts on Sunday.
Lim will be taking part in the 100m backstroke, 50m and 100m freestyle in the S8 category.
S8 is for swimmers who have an amputation of one arm, or with significant restrictions across hip, knee and ankle joints.
“When I am in the water, I feel like I am free from stress,” the Sri Kuala Lumpur School student said.
Lim previously snatched the gold medal for 50m freestyle at the 2015 Para Asean Games in Singapore, and is aiming to emerge champion in the events she will be taking part.
She will be leaving for Wales, United Kingdom, to pursue law next year.
Another para athlete, Jamery Siga, used to frolic in Sungai Mendalam in Limbang, Sarawak, when he was a child. Today, the 33-year-old is a national swimmer taking part in the Paralympic Games.
For this Para Asean Games, the Iban native will be competing in 50m butterfly and 200m freestyle in the S5 (cerebral palsy) category.
He is targeting gold, having won the gold in the 100m freestyle at the 2015 Asean Para Games in Singapore, and a silver and a bronze medal in the 2010 Asian Para Games in Guangzhou, China.
“My wife and my five-year-old son will be coming to watch me compete in the Games this time. Their presence will motivate me to try even harder,” he said.