Baby bump doesn’t slow down Cindy

STILL FIT: Former national swimmer competes in five events despite being eight-month pregnant

FORMER national swimmer Cindy Ong was among the inspirational figures that competed in the Speedo Malaysia International Masters Championships in Shah Alam yesterday.

Cindy, nearing eight months in her pregnancy, showed no signs of slowing down as she competed in five events at the Darul Ehsan Aquatics Complex and even managed a silver behind former Olympian Siow Yi Ting in the 100m freestyle.

The 32-year-old, who competes in the 30-34 age group, said the lowimpact sport was a perfect way for her to remain fit in her pregnancy.

Expecting her third child, Cindy competed in the Japan Masters Championship in July (when she was two months into her pregnancy) and won an impressive five gold and one silver.

“I gained over 20 kilogrammes when I was pregnant with my second child and was just so fat. I decided that I did not want that to ever happen again, which is why I continue to swim and train in the gym,” said the Perak-born.

“My doctor has given me the goahead to keep swimming. I was still swimming five days a week when I was in my second trimester but am down to four days now.

“I will keep swimming until I feel I cannot do it any more.”

Cindy, who won six gold at the 2004 Malaysia Games, added that the Masters events provide swimmers of all ages a platform to remain competitive throughout the years.

“Events such as the Malaysian Masters bring together people from so many different backgrounds and give them motivation to train harder.

“I have even encouraged my own mother to compete in Masters events although she is a heart patient on a pacemaker. It gives her a goal to aim for.”

The Malaysian Masters, sponsored by Gatorade, Speedo, Tourism Selangor, H Gallery, Master Jaya, Spritzer, Ash Be Nimble, Nestle and Gatorade, was organised by New Wave Swimming Club and attracted a record crowd this year.

More than 280 swimmers from nine countries took part, a significant increase over the 170 that competed last season. Swimmer over 25 are eligible and the age groups go up to the 80-and-above class.

Organising chairman Faris Salim Davidson said the tournament is expected to be hosted in Kuching next year.