Nurturing swimming talents

> Eight youths get special training by British Olympian under AirAsia initiative

PHUKET: Eight talented Malaysian swimmers aged between 11 and 15 were given a once-in-a-lifetime chance to train with British Olympian Ben Proud under an initiative by AirAsia.

The eight, hand-picked by Proud and AquaElite (a swim coaching company) from a pool of over 150 swimmers, underwent intensive training on Sept 8 and 9 at the Thanyapura Sports Hotel in Phuket, Thailand.

The swimmers were Toh Ting Wei (15), Amelia Beatrix Chin Zhen Yi (15), Nicole Shan Tee Teng (14), Lau Ting Quan (14), Jess Lee Yen Yi (14), Andi Muhd Farhan (13), Shairul Aiman Jefre (13) and Caroline Lim Shi Chyi (11).

The coaching clinic included four swimming sessions to improve tactical aspects of competitive swimming, as well as gym work (for strength and body condition-ing) and classroom sessions (sports psychology and physiology).

In a press conference, Proud said the children were selected based on their ability, mindset and attentiveness rather than whether they were fast or physically perfect swimmers.

“Those to me are characteristics you need to become a successful athlete,” he said, adding that he was impressed by the attitude shown by the young Malaysian swimmers.

Caroline, who aspires to win an Olympic gold medal for Malaysia, said she learnt a number of valuable lessons during the clinic, including swimming techniques.

The annual talent development programme is part of a four-year partnership between AirAsia and the British Olympian and is under the company’s #DareToDream sport campaign that aims to grow the nation’s sports sector and nurture young talents.

“If through these four years we can find that one kid who would go on to be the best Malaysia has ever had, that would be like a dream come true,” Proud said.

He also lauded AirAsia for promoting sports among youths.

“We don’t see many companies these days promoting sports among the young, and this programme comes at a perfect time, just after Malaysia hosted the SEA Games.”

BERNAMAPIX ... Yang diPertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V gracing the royal tea reception held in conjunction with his official birthday at the Istana Negara yesterday. The reception was attended by 3,500 guests, including Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and other Cabinet ministers, Chief Justice Tun Md Raus Sharif, foreign dignitaries and this year’s recipients of the federal awards, honours and medals.

Proud (in red) with the Malaysian swimmers in Phuket.