Jinq En vows to make two finals in Jakarta Asian Games

PETALING JAYA: Buoyed by a successful season in the United States, national swimmer Phee Jinq En (pic) is bent on emulating Siow Yi Ting’s feat of reaching two breaststroke event finals at the Jakarta Asian Games from Aug 18-Sept 2.

The 20-year-old, who is studying at the Purdue University in Indiana, has rejoined the national team training last week after completing her second year with the institution.

Jinq En impressed her university swimming team in the 2017-2018 season by making the 100 yards (91.44m) breaststroke A finals at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division 1 championships in March.

Jinq En clocked a career-best 59.32 on her way to clinch the All-American honours – a huge recognition to the best amateur competitors in various sports – in the United States.

“I just found out earning an All-American honour is apparently a pretty big deal there,” said Jinq En.

“I made the national championships (NCAA) this year after narrowly missing out last year, and I even made the A finals at that meet which wasn’t what I expected because I was seeded 20th going into the meet.

“So I’d say I’m pretty satisfied with my performances this past year.

“But school’s done now and I’m back to gear up for the Asian Games.

“It’s going to be my debut and I look forward to making it a memorable one,” added the two-time SEA Games gold medallist.

Jinq En has set her sights on rewriting her two own national records (NR) – 31.54 in the 50m and 1:08.65 in the 100m – and hopes it would be enough for her reach the top-eight finals in Jakarta.

Malaysia’s former breaststroke queen Yi Ting last accomplished the feat at the 2006 Doha Asian Games, by finishing fifth and sixth in the 100m and 200m disciplines respectively.

“Hopefully I could better my NRs in both 50 and 100. The goal is to make the finals and see what I can do from there,” vowed Jinq En.