Star Metro : Koh Jia Yi sets new time in 100m breaststroke race in SportExcel junior swimming circuit

By TAN KARR WEI
karrwei@thestar.com.my
Photos by ART CHEN

YOUNG talent Koh Jia Yi was the sole record-breaker in the first leg of the SportExcel junior swimming circuit at the Darul Ehsan Aquatic Centre in Shah Alam recently.

Golden girl : Jia Yi sets a new time of 1:15.13
in the 100m breaststroke race

The 14-year-old of Pade-Supersharkz set a new record of 1:15.13 in the girls’ 13-14 category of the 100m breaststroke event in the two-day meet.

The previous record, set in 2009, was 1:15.66.

Amateur Swimming Union of Selangor secretary Helen Chang praised the swimmers for their good performance.

“They put in a lot of effort in training. It is a great feeling to see them setting new records,” she said.

Meanwhile, Jasa’s Kenji Lim Chuan Chyi, 12, equalled the boys’ 11-12 years 50m butterfly meet record of 28:16 set last year.

More than 800 boys and girls took part in three age groups — Under-10, 11-12 years and 13-14 years — in the backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly and freestyle categories.

“When we started in 2004, we only had a few hundred entries. It is a good indication because more swimmers are showing their eagerness to compete,” said Helen.

Among the other partners in the series are Milo, National Sports Council and Amateur Swimming Union of Malaysia.

The second leg will take place in Malacca on June 15 and 16 while the grand finals will be held in Kuala Lumpur on Aug 24 and 25.

The top 24 swimmers from both legs in each category will qualify for the grand finals.

Competition official May Tan said the aim of the meet was to develop swimming at the grassroots.

“The meet serves as a platform for the youngsters to gauge their performances and impress the selectors for a place in their respective state training camps,” she added.'

Perfect springboard : The meet serves as a platform
for young swimmers to show off their talent

STANDINGS (after first leg)

1. Ikan Bilis Swimming Club (2,883)

2. Pade-Supersharkz (2,844.50)

3. Rakan Akuatik Remaja (1,002)

4. Blue Marlin Swimming Club (884.50)

5. Penang Swimming Club (804)

6. Stingray Swimming Club (649)

7. Kelab Shah Alam Selangor (635.50)

8. Srikl Sharkies (584.50)

9. Bukit Banang Golf Club (515)

10. Cempaka Swimming Club (486.50)