Coach plays it cool about Welson’s medal prospects

NATIONAL swimming coach Paul Birmingham has downplayed Welson Sim's chances of winning medals in the 200m and 400m freestyle events at next year’s Indonesia Asian Games.

Birmingham said it was important not to place unnecessary pressure on the Sarawakian, who is the national record holder in both events.

"Medals are obviously something we are looking at but I think it is important not to be confident. We need to approach this with a bit of caution," said the Australian.

"To win a medal will be very difficult as he will be up against world class swimmers who are not only Olympic champions but also world record holders.

"Sun Yang of China, Kosuke Hagino of Japan and Park Tae Hwan of South Korea are among those he will face and I feel that he has a long way to go before he can match up against this level of competition."

Welson's national records of 1:47.36 and 3:49.48 are within the 2014 Asian Games bronze medal marks in the 200m freestyle and 400m freestyle events, which has led many to believe that he can realistically challenge for honours in Indonesia.

Birmingham, however, added that Welson, who will only turn 21 in March next year, still has room for improvement in all areas.

"Middle distance swimmers usually come into their prime at around 21 to 25 so he still has a lot of room for improvement.

"There is no specific area we are focusing on in terms of his development, it is a gradual process covering all aspects.

"Welson has come from more of an endurance background (800m, 1,500m) in the past which has helped his development.

"But for the past two years we have been focusing on the middle distance events and we are always trying to find the right balance between speed and endurance. Trying for more speed without losing endurance is always tricky.

"Strength is also a long term thing which we do not want to rush,” he said.

The Amateur Swimming Union of Malaysia (ASUM) recently listed Welson, along with women's breaststroke swimmers Phee Jinq En and Erika Kong, as the three that will be sent to the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games and Asian Games next year.

Birmingham disclosed that the three are those whose costs will be covered by the Olympic Council of Malaysia for the two games. There is still room for more swimmers to be included using other funds. Fadhli Ishak