Zhen Yi triumphed again in Kapas Marang International Swimathon 2016

The annual Kapas Marang International Swimathon 2016 proved to be an attractive event for some of our IBSC swimmers, especially Yeong Zhen Yi, who tried this East Coast open sea swim for the first time in Terengganu.

Swimming in the open sea for 6.5km from Pulau Kapas to Marang, Terengganu is no easy feat as it is entirely a different experience from swimming in a calm pool. Of course, Zhen Yi, even though fairly young, has gained sufficient experience in swimming the open seas of Labuan and Port Dickson before.

Zhen Yi, only 13, competed in the female 12-34 years category to emerge champion in Kapas Marang Swimathon after clocking 1:37.48. She skipped the SportExcel Junior Swimming Circuit Leg 2, which clashed head-on with the swimathon event, and looks like the sea venture proved more rewarding as she won RM1,000 as the 1st prize money.

She was followed very closely by team member, Nur Iman Nabilah, 20, who finished second at 1:38.37. Nabilah also won prize money of RM700.

Fatin Natsha Arrfin, 21, also an IBSC member, came in respectable 11th position.

Congratulations to all!

The calm sea can be deceiving

Zhen Yi posing with her mock cheque of RM1,000

Female 12-34 years results

Welcoming banner

The starting was a mad rush scene

Team members enjoying the sun and the beach during the swimathon

Female 12-34 years podium swimmers during prize presentation

Download swimathon full results here.


Photos courtesy of IBSC swimmers and parents

Puteri Nur Diyana excelled in Paralympic Swimming Circuit 1

IBSC member, Puteri Nur Dyana bt. Megat Fadzli was shining with excellent achievement in the recent NSC/ASUM/MILO Paralympic Swimming Circuit 1, held at Kompleks Sukan Kecemerlangan Paralimpik, Kg. Pandan, Kuala Lumpur from 25-29 May, 2016.

Puteri Dyana represented the state of Kuala Lumpur in the swimming meet and has no problem to emerge at the finishing wall as she's accustomed to the home pool where she trains 5 times a week.

Prior to joining the Paralympic training, Puteri has been training under IBSC for a couple of years.

Puteri swept medals in all the 8 events she participated. She collected 7 gold in 50m, 100m, 200m, 400m freestyle; 50m, 100m breaststroke and 50m backstroke. In 50m butterfly she managed a silver.

Her parents are proud their doughty girl! Congratulations Puteri!

Puteri Dyana feeling satisfied with her 7 gold and 1 silver achievement

Officials of the meet

On-Going Competition : SportExcel/MILO/NSC/ASUM Junior Swimming Circuit 2016, Leg 2 at Shah Alam - 28th & 29th May, 2016

5 Out of Water Workouts That Every Swimmer Will Benefit From

By Ryan Blair
(contributing author to IBSC blog)


Swimmers get to take advantage of the freedom and exhilaration the water has to offer. However, not all workouts have to take place in the pool. Whether you're a competitive swimmer or just want to take your game to the next level, it's important to vary your training in order to make the most of what your body is capable of. Here are five out-of-water workouts and you should be sure to incorporate.


1. Turkish Get Up

As a swimmer, you must engage the shoulders in constant rotation. That's why it's important to encourage shoulder flexibility and stability. The Turkish get up is an exercise that allows you to achieve just that. It uses all the muscles in the body with a focus on the shoulder area.

Using a dumbbell, lie on your back with the dumbbell raised over your head. Using your free arm, lift yourself up until your legs and torso are at a 90 degree angle. Keeping the dumbbell lifted over your head, stand up. This exercise should be repeated ten times for each arm, and it can help you significantly in toning your upper arms while simultaneously working out other areas of the body crucial to swimming.


2. Kipping Pull Up

The kipping pull up resembles a full swimming stroke and can help you truly stand out during any swim. While most pull ups are focused on arm strength, this variation instead focuses on successive engagement of various muscle groups as you work to keeping your chin over the bar and body fully extended.

There are various versions of the kipping pull up including the butterfly kip which incorporates upward and downward kicks which resemble the butterfly stroke. Whichever version you choose during your next workout, they all require rhythmic coordination of all the muscle groups used including the torso and lower body. Misty Hyman, Olympic Gold medalist in the 200 meter butterfly at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, attributes much of her success to this beneficial exercise.

3. Plank Row

A great way to take the plank to a whole new level is to incorporate a rowing motion using dumbbells. Holding one in each hand, get into a plank position. In order to maintain balance and stability, keep the feet and knees hip-width apart. As you begin to shift your weight to the left arm, slowly lift the right dumbbell off the floor until it reaches your chest area in a rowing motion.


Form is important as you engage in this exercise. For starters, keep your buttocks as low to the ground as possible in order to engage the abdominal muscles. Furthermore, as you engage in the rowing motion, make sure your body doesn't rotate. Focus on keeping your chest pointed toward the floor.

4. Medicine Ball Pushup

One of the most overlooked accessories in the gym is the medicine ball, and you can use one to further strengthen your upper body and keep your workouts diverse. Using a solid medicine ball capable of supporting your body weight, place your right hand on it as you get into plank position. Do a pushup and then push the ball over to your left hand. Repeat with a pushup with the left hand, and repeat the cycle. 

The plank position is more advanced. However, if you don't feel comfortable starting out in this position, try starting out with your legs bent as you use your knees to balance. 

5. Circuit Training

A great way to keep things interesting at the gym is to perform circuit training geared toward focusing on all the major muscle groups used in swimming. A great regimen to follow that helps you do just that is as follows:

● 20 jump squats

● 10 lunge jumps

● 10 dive bomber pushups

● 20 squats

● 10 lunges with twists on each side of the body

● 20 front plank taps per side

● 20 side plank rotations per side

● 20 supermans

● 20 flutterkicks per side

Depending on your level of experience and time constraints, this routine should be repeated three to four times for a complete workout. 

Nutritional Tips

It's important to incorporate proper nutrition. After all, the fuel you use to operate your body dictates just how far you can push yourself. The benefits of creatine and other supplements are vast as they allow you to engage in dynamic workouts. Especially as you get older, creatine levels tend to decrease, and taking a supplement can help you build and maintain muscle mass. Other nutrition tips swimmers specifically can benefit from include:

● Eating simple carbs right before and after a workout

● Eating protein directly before a workout

● Keeping your carb to protein ratio post-workout 4:1

● Consuming ample amounts of vitamin D for strength and endurance

● Drinking plenty of water (at least 64 ounces per day)

Pushing Your Limits

As an athlete, you enjoy the freedom of pushing the limits when it comes to your capabilities. The body is surprisingly adaptable, and when you give it the nutrition and exercise it needs, there's more you can accomplish than you likely even realize. By following these five out-of-water workouts and tips, you can be on your way to raising the bar of your personal dreams and goals.

Team Briefing on SportExcel Leg2, 2016

Parents and IBSC swimmers,

Please note that a Team Briefing on SportExcel Leg 2 will take place as follows to be briefed by Team Managers, Mr Vincent Low and En. Nizarudin Sulaiman.

IBSC finalists get high points reward for their achievement in SportExcel Junior Swimming Circuit, Grand Final 2015

IBSC finalists who scored points for the Club in last year's SportExcel Junior Swimming Circuit, Grand Final 2015 are a lucky lot as they got rewarded for their achievements today in a simple ceremony. The points were converted into cash for the very first time.

The conversion was made possible with a grant allocation from Majlis Sukan Wilayah Persekutuan for the junior swimming final circuit which was held on 15-16 August, 2015 at Kompleks Renang Kuala Lumpur. The Club has channeled all the proceeds back to the swimmers as a reward to appreciate their hard work.

The points earner was each rewarded with cash prize and a certificate of achievement presented by IBSC's President, Mr Teo Mua Seng and Head Coach, En. Shazali Salleh.

Finalists and point achievers receiving their cash envelopes and certificates

The top points earner was Yeong Zhen Yi who collected 33 points to get the top cash award, followed by Steve Khiew, 29 points. See Zhi Syuen and Ng Zi Syuen, both with 17 points, shared the 3rd position.

Yeong Zhen Yi with Coach Shazali

Steve Khiew with Mr Teo

See Zhi Syuen happy with her reward

Ng Zi Syuen, petite but strong swimmer

The Club also wish to thank the parents for being so supportive of their children's sports throughout their training and hope that the athletes will progress further with their unconditional love and encouragement.

The President also reminded fellow swimmers to participate actively in SportExcel Junior Swimming Circuit which is a development platform to yield the potential of young swimmers.

IBSC has committed to giving out further incentive for the forthcoming SportExcel 2016 and swimmers will need to race faster to reach the rewards.

The Club records its appreciation to Majlis Sukan Wilayah Persekutuan and Persatuan Renang Amatur Kuala Lumpur for the grand allocation.

More photos at IBSC Gallery

Register for Pre-Comp Trial Class with IBSC

VOTE NOW FOR YOUR FAVOURITE ATHLETES!

Vote your favourite athelete for Anugerah Sukan Negara 2015 (Anugerah Jubli Emas ke-50)

VOTE 

*voting open from 9 to 22 May, 2016

See more at :
http://www.teammalaysia.org.my/anugerahTMteammalaysia

MAS Open 2016 - Daily Overall Results

Please view daily results below :

MAS Open 2016 - Day 4 Overall Results

MAS Open 2016 - Day 3 Overall Results

MAS Open 2016 - Day 2 Overall Results

MAS Open 2016 - Day 1 Overall Results

View Full Results here.


CONGRATULATIONS to all medalists and achievers.

The Star : Sim-ply the best Mother's Day gift from pool wonder Welson

BY LIM TEIK HUAT

Welson Sim on his way to winning the men’s 1500m freestyle gold medal in the Malaysian Open. MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI / The Star.

SHAH ALAM: Youngster Welson Sim presented his biggest fan – mum Lee Ngiat Kim – an ideal gift on Mother’s Day.

The 19-year-old Sarawakian splashed to his third gold medal and an Olympic B cut after winning the men’s 1,500m freestyle in the Malaysian Open Swimming Championships at the Shah Alam Aquatic Centre on Sunday.

With his mother and family members cheering from the stands, Welson completed the gruelling race in 15:35.63 to dip under the Rio Olympic B time of 15:46.79.

India’s Sajan Prakash took the silver in 15:47.68 while Indonesia’s Aflah Fadlan Prawira clocked 16:00.79 to bag the bronze.

It’s the second B cut for Welson, having posted 50.32 in the 100m freestyle at the National Age-Group Championships at the same venue in March.

Welson also made the A cut in the 200m and 400m freestyle at the Singapore National Age-Group Championships, also in March. He is the first Malaysian to qualify for the Olympics under two A times.

“I’m happy that my mum is here to see me swim. I was all motivated to make my family happy today as it’s also Mother’s Day. I’m glad that I managed to record my personal best in the 1,500m freestyle although I’ve not focused on this event for some time,” said Welson, who will be heading to Melbourne next weekend for a two-week training stint as part of his build-up to the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in August.

“The two-week training stint will be good as I will be training at the club where Australian freestyle swimmer Mack Horton is based.

“He is ranked first in the world this year and a bronze medallist at last year’s World Championships. It’s going to be a very good experience.

“I have three competitions in Europe coming up next month. I will try to improve on my 1,500m freestyle personal best time,” added Welson, who won the 200m and 400m freestyle earlier in the week.

The NST : Welson dedicates gold medal to his mum for Mother's Day

BY AJITPAL SINGH


SHAH ALAM: Welson Sim dedicated his gold medal to his mother Lee Ngiat Khim after winning the men’s 1,500m freestyle race by meeting the ‘B’ Olympic time in the Malaysian Open Swimming Championships at Darul Ehsan Aquatic Centre today.

Welson dipped below the ‘B’ Olympic time of 15:46.79 by clocking 15:35.63.

India’s Sajan Prakash won the silver medal in 15.47.68 while Indonesia’s Aflah Fadlan Prawira took third with 16:00.79.

It was the 19-year-old’s third individual gold medal in the Malaysian Open after winning the 200m and 400m freestyle races in the opening three days.

“I dedicate my gold medal to my mom as today is Mother’s Day. She is very proud of my achievement,” said Welson today.

“I clocked a new personal best in the 1,500m event today but I believe I can swim faster in this event.”

Welson has met the ‘A’ Olympic times for the 200m and 400m freestyle races.

The Sarawakian will leave form Melbourne for a two-week training stint on Saturday to prepare for three meets in Europe in July.

Results:

Men’s 50m freestyle: 1 Triady Fauzi Sidiq (Ina) 23.06, 2 Aaron D’ Souza (Ind) 23.10, 3 Glenn Victor Sutanto (Ina) 23.39;

100m butterfly: 1 Triady Fauzi Sidiq (Ina) 52.77 (MR), 2 Glenn Victor Sutanto (Ina) 53.44, 3 Chen Jie (Sel) 54.67;

200m backstroke: 1 Ricky Anggawidjaja (Ina) 2:02.81 (MR), 2 Gede Siman Sudarwata (Ina) 2:05.35, 3 Tiaa Faang Der (Joh) 2:11.69;

1500m freestyle: 1 Welson Sim (Sar) 15:35.63, 2 Sajan Prakash (Ind) 15:47.68, 3 Aflah Fadlan Prawira (Ina) 16:00.79.

Women’s 50m freestyle: 1 Camille Cheng (Hkg) 25.95, 2 Chui Lai Kwan (Sab) 26.52, 3 Yu Wai Ting (Hkg) 26.61;

100m butterfly: 1 Chan Kin Lok (Hkg) 1:00.00 (MR), 2 Sze Hang Yu (Hkg) 1:00.03, 3 Nicholle Toh (Sin) 1:02.40;

200m backstroke: 1 Stephanie Shun (Hkg) 2:11.60 (MR), 2 Yessy Yosaputra (Ina) 2:19.23, 3 Redza Nadia Adrianna (Sel) 2:27.44;

800m freestyle: 1 Raina Saumi Grahana (Ina) 8:56.86, 2 Khoo Cai Lin (Sel) 9:07.77, 3 Angela Chieng (Sar) 9:13.70.

Read More : http://www.nst.com.my/news/2016/05/144450/swimming-welson-dedicates-gold-medal-his-mum-mothers-day

Utusan Online : Renang: Welson Sim melepasi had masa kelayakan ke Sukan Olimpik

BERNAMA  |  08 Mei 2016 8:00 PM

SHAH ALAM 8 Mei - Perenang negara, Welson Sim melepasi had masa kelayakan ke Sukan Olimpik bagi kategori B dalam acara 1,500 meter gaya bebas lelaki di Kejohanan Terbuka Malaysia ke-59 hari ini.

Percubaan Welson untuk menambah slot ke Rio de Janeiro, Brazil secara merit tidak kesampaian apabila beliau sekadar melakukan catatan masa 15 minit 35.63 saat di Pusat Akuatik Darul Ehsan di sini.

Beliau perlu melepasi had masa kelayakan iaitu 15:14.77s.

Welson berkata, beliau juga masih bekerja keras untuk memecah rekod kebangsaan bagi acara 1500m gaya bebas itu yang masih dimiliki oleh bekas perenang negara Jeffrey Ong pada 1991 dengan catatan masa 15:23.61s.

"Memang susah untuk melepasi had masa ke Olimpik, tetapi saya berpuas hati dengan catatan masa saya hari ini kerana ia adalah catatan terbaik saya. Saya perlu mengatasi rekod kebangsaan bagi acara 1500m itu dulu sebelum memikirkan untuk melepasi had kelayakan bagi kategori A di Sukan Olimpik," katanya kepada pemberita.

Welson hari ini menambah koleksi ketiga pingat emas bagi acara berkenaan selepas mengalahkan perenang India, Sajan Prakash dengan catatan 15:47.68s di tempat kedua.

Perenang Indonesia, Aflah Fadlan Prawira melengkapkan podium di tempat ketiga dengan 16:00.79s.

"Saya gembira dengan kemenangan pingat emas ketiga ini, kejayaan ini adalah untuk ibu saya (Lee Ngiat Kim) sempena sambutan Hari Ibu hari ini," katanya.

Dalam Kejohanan Terbuka Malaysia, Welson turut meraih pingat emas dalam acara 400m gaya bebas dan 200m gaya bebas serta satu pingat perak dalam acara 100m gaya bebas.

Welson kini telah meraih dua slot A ke Sukan Olimpik bagi acara 400m gaya bebas dan 200m gaya bebas. Slot B pula dalam acara 1500m gaya bebas dan 100m gaya bebas.

"Saya akan berlatih di Australia selama dua minggu selepas ini, di sana saya berlatih dengan pasukan Australia dan juga perenang nombor satu dunia iaitu Mack Horton," katanya.

Welson masih mempunyai peluang untuk memburu slot Olimpik dalam acara 100m gaya bebas dan 1500m gaya bebas dalam tiga kejohanan di Eropah selepas ini. - BERNAMA


- See more at: http://www.utusan.com.my/sukan/renang-welson-sim-melepasi-had-masa-kelayakan-ke-sukan-olimpik-1.319976#sthash.oZoVDXO3.dpuf

Utusan Online : Sakit bahu tak halang Cai Lin

SHAH ALAM 7 Mei – Terlibat dalam kemalangan jalan raya tiga hari lalu ketika pulang dari latihan sedikit merencatkan teknik renangan atlet negara Khoo Cai Lin apabila dia gagal merakamkan masa yang baik namun sudah cukup untuk memenangi pingat emas pada hari ketiga kejohanan renang Terbuka Malaysia di sini hari ini.

Atlet kelahiran Selangor itu sekadar mencatat masa empat minit dan 20.43 saat dalam acara 400 meter gaya bebas, tetapi menamatkan persaingan dengan jarak selesa ke atas dua pencabar dari Indonesia Raina Saumi Grahana dan Sagita Putri Krisdewanti yang menduduki tempat kedua dan ketiga selepas masing-masing mencatatkan masa 4:27.20s dan 4:28.30s di Pusat Akuatik Darul Ehsan.

Cai Lin terlibat dalam kemalangan jalan raya tiga hari lalu apabila bas yang membawa atlet India dan Hong Kong mengalami masalah brek lalu melanggar keretanya, menyebabkan bahunya mengalami kecederaan dan sedikit mengganggu rentak renangannya kerana masih terasa sakit.

“Saya sedikit kecewa kerana tidak mencapai sasaran saya apabila gagal merekodkan masa lebih baik untuk memastikan tempat ke Olimpik Rio dalam acara 400m gaya bebas ini lebih terjamin.

“Walaupun saya sudah melepasi kategori B tetapi masa itu hanya cukup-cukup saja jadi saya perlu merekodkan masa lebih baik.

“Kesan kemalangan yang berlaku tempoh hari sedikit sebanyak membuatkan saya trauma tetapi sekarang ini sudah semakin pulih,” katanya, yang akan beraksi dalam acara 800m gaya bebas esok.

Cai Lin menempah tiket dalam Kategori B ke Sukan Olimpik 2016 selepas mencatat masa 4:17.79s ketika memenangi pingat perak acara 400m gaya bebas Sukan SEA Singapura tahun lalu.

Namun perenang senior itu masih gagal melepasi syarat kelayakan dalam acara 800m dan perlu merekodkan sekurang-kurangnya 8:51.96 saat untuk mendapatkan tiket kategori B dan 8.33.97s bagi kategori A.

Catatan terbaik yang dimiliki perenang berusia 28 tahun itu dalam acara 800m adalah 8:53.53 saat.


- See more at: http://www.utusan.com.my/sukan/sakit-bahu-tak-halang-cai-lin-1.319625#sthash.Pjuq4mlv.dpuf

The NST : Welson wins, but fails to beat record

By Ajitpal Singh


SHAH ALAM: Welson Sim won the men’s 400m freestyle race with ease but the swimmer was unhappy with his timing in the Malaysian Open at Darul Ehsan Aquatics Centre today.

The Sarawakian won in 3:53.74 ahead of India's Sajan Prakash (3:58.08) and Indonesia's Aflah Fadlan Prawira (3:58.71).

It was the second gold for Welson after the 200m freestyle race on Friday.

Welson, however, was unhappy with the outcome. "I am disappointed as I was hoping to beat Kevin Yeap’s meet record of 3:53.26. I can definitely swim faster that this but I was not in any pressure to do so,” said Welson, who has made the ‘A’ Olympic timings for the 200m and 400m races for Rio.

His timing in the 400m race was 3:41 seconds off his national record set in Singapore’s Age Group Championships in March.

“I have already met the Olympic cut. I still have the 1500m freestyle race tomorrow and I will try to break the meet record also held by Kevin (15:32.51),” Welson added.

Welson, 19, will head to Melbourne after the meet for a two-week training stint under national coach Paul Birmingham.

RESULTS 

Men’s 50m butterfly: 1 Glenn Victor Sutanto (Ina) 24.23 (MR), 2 Cheran de Silva (Sri) 25.07, 3 Derick Ng (Hkg) 25.09;

100m backstroke: 1 Gede Siman Sudartawa (Ina) 55.37 (MR), 2 Ricky Anggawidjaja (Ina) 57.21, 3 Tern Jian Han (Joh) 58.94;

200m breaststroke: 1 Sandeep Sejwal (Ind) 2:15.58 (MR), 2 Wong Fu Kang (Joh) 2:18.78, 3 Kwok Ka Fai (Hkg) 2:18.84;

400m freestyle: 1 Welson Sim (Sar) 3:53.74, 2 Sajan Prakash (Ind) 3:58.08, 3 Fadlan Prawira (Ina) 3:58.71.;

4x100m freestyle: 1 Indonesia 3:26.45 (MR), 2 Hong Kong 3:30.36, 3 Selangor 3:35.99.

Women’s 50m butterfly: 1 Sze Hang Yu (Hkg) 27.34, 2 Chan Kin Lok (Hkg) 27.63, 3 Nicholle Toh (Sin) 27.85;

100m backstroke: 1 Stephanie Au (Hkg) 1:00.48 (MR), 2 Yessy Yosaputra (Ina) 1:05.65, 3 Sofie Kemala (Ina) 1:05.90;

200m breaststroke: 1 Phiangkhwan Pawapotako (Tha) 2:32.21 (MR), 2 Phee Jinq En (Sel) 2:34.91, 3 Erika Kong (Swk) 2:36.48;

400m freestyle: 1 Khoo Cai Lin (Sel) 4:20.43, 2 Raina Saumi Grahana (Ina) 4:24.54, 3 Sagita Putri Krisdewanti (Ina) 4:28.30;

4x100m freestyle: 1 Hong Kong 3:55.14 (MR), 2 Indonesia 3:59.53, 3 Selangor 4:07.72.

Read More : http://www.nst.com.my/news/2016/05/144266/swimming-welson-wins-fails-beat-record

The Star : Shaken Cai Lin toughs it out for 400m freestyle gold

BY LIM TEIK HUAT

SHAH ALAM: Khoo Cai Lin capped a gritty return to the pool two days after a car accident to win the women’s 400m freestyle in the Malaysian Open Swimming Champi­onships at the Shah Alam Aquatic Centre.

Khoo Cai Lin swimming to a gold medal in the women’s 400m freestyle at the Malaysian Open. - MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI / The Star

Despite still feeling pain on her shoulders due to the accident, the seasoned Malaysian swimmer managed to come out tops at the end of the eight-lap race in 4:20.43 on Saturday.

Raina Saumi Grahana of Indonesia took the silver in 4:24.54 with her compatriot Sagita Putri Krisdewanti settling for the bronze in 4:28.30.

Selangor-born Cai Lin did not break her meet record of 4:16.83 set in the 2014 edition.

She said she was badly shaken by the accident when her two-day old Honda Jazz car was hit on the side by a bus on Thursday.

“I was getting ready to drive out of the venue when the bus suddenly hit me on the side.

“The driver said the brakes malfunctioned while he was coming down the slope. I am still traumatised.

“I managed to retain the 400m title, but the timing was not quite what I expected. I was looking at 4:18.

“I still have the 800m frestyle and I will try my best to dip under the Olympic B time (8:51.95) tomorrow,” said 27-year-old Cai Lin, who already posted the Olympic B time of 4:17.79 at the Singapore SEA Games last year.

Rio Olympic-bound swimmer Welson Sim also came out tops in his pet race on Saturday.

The 19-year-old Sarawakian won the men’s 400m freestyle in 3:53.74 ahead of India’s Sajan Prakash (3:58.08) and Indonesia’s Aflah Fadlan Prawira (3:58.71).

It was the second gold for Welson, having won the 200m freestyle on Friday.

Welson, however, was not happy with the outcome.

“I was trying to break my team-mate Kevin Yeap’s meet record (3:53.26). I can definitely swim faster than this but there was no pressure today.

“I still have the 1,500m freestyle tomorrow. I will try to break the meet record (15:32.51) held by Kevin,” said Welson, who will compete in the Olympics in August after breaking the A times in both the 200m and 400m freestyle.

The Star : Welson casually swims to gold in record time

BY LIM TEIK HUAT

SHAH ALAM: Rio Olympic Games-bound Welson Sim took it easy, but still pulled off a meet record in the men’s 200m freestyle event in the Malaysian Open Swimming Championships at the Shah Alam Aquatic Centre.

Welson grabs the gold in the 200m freestyle event despite taking it easy in the race. - GLENN GUAN / The Star

The 19-year-old Sarawakian started strongly to power home in 1:48.64, erasing his 14-month-old meet record of 1:49.67 for the gold medal.

Hong Kong’s Cheung Kin Tat took silver in 1:51.82 and Selangor’s Yeap Zheng Yang (1:52.09) the bronze.

In March, Welson set a new national record on the way to qualifying for the Rio Olympics under the A time by clocking 1:47.67 in the Singapore National age-group meet.

He will also swim in the 400m freestyle race in Rio de Janeiro in August.

“I’m only pacing myself in this competition. There’s no expectations and I’m happy with the way I finished the race,” said Welson.

“I have three competitions in Europe next month.

“I cannot peak for every meet, but the Olympics is my main goal as I want to achieve something ... hopefully get into the top 16 semi-finals.”

“It’s a great feeling to break my own meet record for the gold. I need to maintain my winning attitude ahead of Rio.”

Wong Fu Kang, meanwhile, will have to work harder in the coming weeks if he is to grab a place in Rio.

The 17-year-old finished out of the medals in the men’s 50m breaststroke after coming in fourth in 29.04.

The Johor-born swimmer, who could only take bronze in the men's 100m breaststroke final on Thursday, is aware that he needs to work on his technique.

The 100m breaststroke is an Olympic event, but Fu Kang needs to improve on his best B timing of 1:02.46, which he posted on the way to the gold in the SEA Games in Singapore last year.

“I don’t have any good results here, but there’s still time. I’m going for the Singapore Open and Hong Kong Open after this,” said Fu Kang.

“My goal is to improve on my B timing and boost my chances to get to Rio.”

RESULTS
(All finals)

MEN

50m backstroke: 1. Gede Siman Sudarwata (Ina) 25.17 meet rec, 2. Tern Jian Han (Joh) 26.55, 3 Wong Tzi Rok (Sel) 27.50.

50m breaststroke: 1. Sandeep Sejwal (Ind) 28.34 meet rec, 2. Indra Gunawan (Ina) 28.46, 3. Kwok Ka Fai (Hkg) 29.02.

200m freestyle: 1. Welson Sim (Swk) 1:48.64 meet rec, 2. Cheung Kin Tat (Hkg) 1:51.82, 3. Yeap Zheng Yang (Sel) 1:52.09.

200m IM: 1. Triady Fauzi Sidiq (Ina) 2:02.16, 2. Muhammad Hamgari (Ina) 2:06.13, 3. Ayman Klezi (Syr) 2:08.13.

4x200m freestyle relay: 1. Indonesia 7:44.00 meet rec,  2. Selangor 8:02.77, 3. Kuala Lumpur 8:04.12.

WOMEN

50m backstroke: 1. Stephanie Shun (Hkg) 28.35 meet rec, 2. Yu Wai Ting (Hkg) 29.83, 3. Caroline Chan (Sel) 29.92.

50m breaststroke: 1. Phee Jinq En (Sel) 32.06 meet rec, 2. Erika Kong (Swk) 32.91, 3. Vanessa Evato (Ina) 33.86.

200m freestyle: 1. Camille Cheng (Hkg) 2:00.23 meet rec, 2. Sagita Putri Krisdewanti (Ina) 2:05.53, 3. Raina Saumi Grahana (Ina) 2:06.52.

200m IM: 1. Phiangkhwan Pawapotako (Tha) 2:18.41, 2. Ressa Kania Dewi (Ina) 2:21.51, 3 Erika Kong (Swk) 2:21.68.

4x200m freestyle relay: 1 Hong Kong 8:20.29 meet rec, 2. Indonesia 8:48.03, 3. Selangor 9:09.27.

The NST : Jinq En sets new meet record in 50m breaststroke

BY AJITPAL SINGH

SHAH ALAM: Phee Jinq En bagged her second gold medal for Selangor by winning the women’s 50m breaststroke race in the Malaysian Open Swimming Championships at Darul Aquatic Centre today.

Jinq En broke her own meet record of 32.38 by clocking 32.06.

Sarawak’s Erika Kong took second in 32.91 with Indonesia's Vanessa Evato finishing third in 33.86.

Jinq En holds the national record of 31.80 for the 50m breaststroke event, set July last year.

The 18-year-old posted a new national mark in the 100m breaststroke race by recording 1:08.65, which is well inside the Olympic ‘B’ qualifying time of 1:10.22, on Thursday.

"I was expecting to hit below 32 seconds, so it's kind of disappointing that I didn't manage it. "Anyway, I am happy as I set a new meet record although I was tired after the 100m breaststroke yesterday," said Jinq En, who will compete in the 200m breaststroke event tomorrow.

Read More : http://www.nst.com.my/news/2016/05/143974/swimming-jinq-en-sets-new-meet-record-50m-breaststroke

The Star : Jinq En good for 50m breaststroke SEA Games gold, if contested

BY LIM TEIK HUAT

SHAH ALAM: It will be a big loss to Malaysia if the women's 50m breaststroke event is not contested at the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games next year.

Swimmer Phee Jinq En picked up her second gold for Selangor in style with a new meet record of 32.06 at the Malaysian Open Swimming Championships at the Shah Alam Aquatic Centre on Friday.

It erased her own previous mark of 32.38 set last year.

Erika Kong of Sarawak settled for silver in 32.91 while Indonesia's Vanessa Evato took bronze in 33.86.

The 50m breaststroke is not an Olympic event, but Malaysia have dominated it in previous SEA Games through the likes of Christina Loh and Siow Yi Ting.

The 50m breaststroke races for men and women were surprisingly excluded from the KL SEA Games programme.

The Amateur Swimming Union of Malaysia (Asum) have since appealed for the 50m breaststroke, 50m butterfly and 50m backstroke races to be reinstated.

Jinq En took silver in her SEA Games debut behind Singapore's Roanne Ho last year but has since improved by leaps and bounds.

The 18-year-old holds the national record of 31.80 for the 50m breaststroke and has a good chance to nick gold in the next SEA Games.

“I was expecting to dip below 32 seconds ... so, it's kind of disappointing that I didn't. Anyway, I’m happy I broke the meet record,” said Jinq En, who will compete in the 200m breaststroke.

“I’m not expecting anything ... just coming away with a personal best would be great.”

The Star : No logo - Paralympians still face tattoo ban, main Games less strict

BY KAROLOS GROHMANN

BERLIN (Reuters) - Olympic athletes with tattoos are unlikely to be barred from the Rio Games, the International Olympic Committee said on Friday after a Paralympic swimmer with his team logo inked onto his chest was banned from a race.

British gold medallist Josef Craig was disqualified from a race at last week's IPC European Championships after failing to cover up the tattoo: the team's lion's head design above the Olympic rings.

The International Paralympic Committee said he had breached a rule stating "body advertisements are not allowed in any way whatsoever (this includes tattoos and symbols)."

It said Craig was displaying a logo of an event he was not competing in. The Paralympic Games are governed by a completely separate organisation from the IOC and have their own logo.

Many champion athletes, including record gold medallists Michael Phelps, Missy Franklin and Ryan Lochte, have Olympic tattoos, and the IPC's ruling, three months before Rio, raised fears of potential bans.

But while any tattoos that advertise a product will need to be covered up - with blank tape or patches - in Rio, athletes at the main Games will be allowed to show others, an IOC spokesman said.

"The president is always excited to see athletes with the Olympic Rings," an IOC spokesman said. "Standing alone, the Olympic Rings are a great expression of appreciation of the Olympic Games and of the Olympic values."

"COMMON SENSE"

"We take a common sense approach to tattoos whatever they are," he said.

That would mean personal tattoos such as the butterfly-covered back of Russian synchronised swimmer Anastasia Davydova at the 2012 London Games would be allowed.

For Paralympians though, the rules are tougher and Craig will have to cover his tattoo.

"The same rule would apply at the Paralympics in Rio. He would have to cover it up as Craig did for the remainder of the competition last week." IPC spokesman Craig Spence said.

One athlete who will be forced to cover up if he qualifies for the Olympics is American middle distance runner Nick Symmonds, who sells space on his skin for advertising.

The two-time Olympian, who covered up his tattoos during the 2012 Olympics, sold nine inches on his arm for $21,800 on Friday to the head of T-Mobile US, a rival of AT&T, an official sponsor of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic teams.

Symmonds said the U.S. Olympic Committee's and the IOC's rules banning advertising in venues and promotion by athletes during the Games was "antiquated".

"AT&T spends millions to be an official USOC sponsor. T-Mobile spends $21,800 for better exposure. Your ancient model is broken USOC!," Symmonds tweeted.

T-Mobile CEO John Legere said he had not yet decided what to inscribe on the runner's arm.

"Now that I’ve purchased a spot on 2x Olympian, @NickSymmonds’ arm, help me decide what the tattoo should be of! GO!," he asked followers on Twitter.

(Editing by Robin Pomeroy)

Utusan Online : Jinq En pecah rekod, tetapi belum cukup pantas

KUALA LUMPUR 5 Mei - Hanya 0.08 saat memisahkan perenang negara Phee Jinq En untuk menempah tiket kategori A ke temasya Olimpik Rio apabila dia menamatkan perlumbaan 100 meter kuak dada dengan masa 1:08.65 saat untuk merangkul pingat emas dalam Kejohanan Renang Terbuka Malaysia di Pusat Akuatik Darul Ehsan, Shah Alam hari ini.

Walaupun gagal meraih tiket kategori A untuk ke Olimpik, Jinq En tetap berpuas hati apabila berjaya mencipta rekod baharu kebangsaan dan rekod kejohanan, memadam rekod miliknya sendiri 1:08.99s yang dilakarkan ketika beraksi dalam Kejohanan Renang Peringkat Umur di Singapura.

Jinq En perlu mencatatkan masa sekurang-kurangnya 1.07.85s untuk merebut tiket kategori A ke Sukan Olimpik 2016 dan dia mengakui had itu agak sukar namun bukan sesuatu yang mustahil untuk dilakukan apabila menyertai beberapa kejohanan lagi selepas ini.

“Saya akui masa itu agak sukar tapi saya yakin saya mampu untuk melepasi catatan itu.

“Ada tiga lagi kejohanan utama di Eropah selepas ini, justeru saya akan berusaha untuk meraih tiket kategori A bagi memastikan saya dapat melayakkan diri ke Olimpik Rio,” katanya yang sudah melepasi syarat kelayakan kategori B acara berkenaan.

Kemenangannya dalam acara itu menyaksikan atlet kelahiran Selangor tersebut menghadiahkan emas pertama negara dalam kejohanan ini.

Dia menewaskan seorang lagi perenang negara Erika Kong yang menduduki tempat kedua dengan masa 1:12.26s manakala gangsa milik perenang Indonesia, At Vanessa Evato yang mencatat masa 1:13.06s.

Bagi Jinq En kejayaan memecahkan rekod kebangsaan dalam acara kegemarannya itu adalah sesuatu yang memang menjadi sasarannya dan mampu menjadi pencetus semangat untuk dia terus memburu catatan lebih baik selepas ini.

Jinq En akan beraksi dalam dua lagi acara iaitu 50m kuak lentang esok dan 200m kuak dada pada Sabtu sebelum berlepas ke Australia untuk menjalani latihan pusat selama dua minggu di Melbourne minggu depan.

Dia adalah antara lima perenang yang telah melepasi syarat kelayakan kategori B untuk ke Sukan Olimpik di bandar raya Brazil itu.

Atlet berusia 19 itu mendapat tiket berkenaan ketika beraksi dalam acara 100m kuak dada di
Kejohanan Piala Dunia di Dubai tahun lalu.

Sementara itu perenang Olimpik negara, Welson Sim sekadar meraih pingat perak dalam acara 100 meter gaya bebas selepas tewas kepada pesaing dari Indonesia, Triady Fauzi Sidiq.

Triady menang dalam masa 50.36s, menewaskan Welson dengan kelebihan 0.28 saat manakala perenang dari India, Aaron D’Souza meraih gangsa dengan masa 50.98s.

Meskipun sudah melepasi syarat kelayakan bagi kategori B, Welson berkata catatan masa dalam acara 100m yang dilakukannya itu sedikit mengecewakannya ketika dia berasakan mampu untuk merakamkan masa lebih baik. – UTUSAN ONLINE

- See more at: http://www.utusan.com.my/sukan/jinq-en-pecah-rekod-tetapi-belum-cukup-pantas-1.317867#sthash.5WDdn2np.dpuf

MAS Open 2016 - Day 1 Overall Results

Please view Overall Results of Day 1 here.

The NST : Jinq En sets new nat'l record in women's 100m breaststroke

BY AJITPAL SINGH

KUALA LUMPUR: Phee Jing En is getting closer to qualifying for the Rio Olympics Games after she broke the women’s 100m breaststroke national record in the Malaysian Open Swimming Championships at Darul Ensan Aquatic Centre in Shah Alam today.

The Selangor swimmer erased her record of 1:08.99 set in the Singapore Age Group Championships in March by posting 1:08.65 for the gold medal.

Sarawak’s Erika Wong finished second in 1:12.26 while Vanessa Evato of Indonesia took third on 1:13.06 Her new national record in the 100m race is inside the ‘B’ Olympic qualifying timing of 1:10.22.

The ‘A’ time, which guarantees an Olympic spot, is 1:07.85.

On her win, Jinq En said: “I swam really fast from the start but felt exhausted in the last 25 metres of the race. I told myself to keep on going and held on,” said Jinq En.

She will compete in the 50m breaststroke today.

Results: 

• Men’s 100m freestyle: 1 Triady Fauzi Sidiq (Ina) 50.36, 2 Welson Sim (Sar) 50.64, 3 Aaron D’ Souza (Ind) 50.98;

• 400m individual medley: 1 Ricky Anggawidjaja (Ina) 4:36.63, 2 Alex Tiong (Sar) 4:42.66, 3 Arvin Shaun Singh Chahal (Ter) 4:44.49;

• 100m breaststroke: 1 Sandeep Sejwal (Ind) 1:02.45 (MR), 2 Kwok Ka Fai (Hkg) 1:02.99, 3 Wong Fu Kang (Joh) 1:03.52;

• 200m butterfly: 1 Supriya Mondal (Ind) 2:00.54, 2 Muhammad Hamgari (Ina) 2:03.06, 3 Ayman Klezi (Syr) 2:03.80;

• 4x100m medley relay: 1: Indonesia 3:45.49 (MR), 2 Hong Kong 3:49.34, 3 Selangor 3:58.42.

• Women’s 100m freestyle: 1 Camille Cheng (Hkg) 55.34 (MR), 2 Chan Kin Lok (Hkg) 57.87, 3 Sagita Putri Krisdewanti (Ina) 58.05;

• 400m individual medley: 1 Phiangkhwan Pawapotako (Tha) 4:55.28, 2 Azzahra Permatahani (Ina) 4:58.49, 3 Ressa Kania Dewi (Ina) 5:01.31;

• 100m breaststroke: 1 Phee Jinq En (Sel) 1:08.65 (NR), 2 Erika Kong (Sar) 1:12.26, 3 Vanessa Evato (Ina) 1:13.06;

• 200m butterfly: 1 Raina Saumi Grahana (Ina) 2:19.62, 2 Nicholle Toh (Sin) 2:19.79, 3 Azzahra Permatahani (Ina) 2:20.91;

• 4x100m medley relay: 1 Hong Kong 4:03.10 (MR), 2 Indonesia 4:23.23, 3 Selangor 4:28.58.


Read More : http://www.nst.com.my/news/2016/05/143752/swimming-jinq-en-sets-new-natl-record-womens-100m-breaststroke

The Star Online : Rio on the horizon as Jinq En swims to gold in record time

BY LIM TEIK HUAT

Jinq En (centre) with silver medallist Erika Kong (right) and bronze medallist Vanessa Evato (left) on the podium in the Malaysian Open swimming championships. - SAMUEL ONG / The Star

SHAH ALAM: For someone so slender, breaststroke swimmer Phee Jinq En continues to defy the odds as she enhanced her Rio de Janeiro Olympic chances.

The 18-year-old smashed her own national record, set only two months ago, to provide the only golden splash by a local swimmer in the Malaysian Open Swimming Championships at the Shah Alam Aquatic Centre on Thursday.

Jinq En made a strong start and never looked back as she won the 100m breaststroke final in 1:08.65.

It not only erased Hong Kongswimmer Yvette Kong’s record of 1:09.04 set in the morning heats, but also improved on her own national mark of 1:08.99 set at the Singapore national age-group meet in March.

Erika settled for silver in 1:12.26 while Indonesia’s Vanessa Evato took bronze in 1:13.06.

More importantly, Jinq En of Selangor continued to improve on her Olympic B time for the Rio Olympics.

The Olympic B cut is 1:10.22.

“I felt good and I was expecting to break my personal best in the final. I’m glad I finished strongly as I was tired going into the last 25 metres.

“It was an exhausting swim, but I’m glad I reached my goal of improving on my Olympic B timing,” said Jinq En, who made her SEA Games debut by taking gold in Singapore last year.

Next on her agenda is Olympic A time of 1:07.85.

“I will be going for three meets in Europe next month to try to achieve the A time. It’s not easy to slash one second, but I’m not setting any limits to what I can do,” said Jinq En.

“I’m not physically well-built for a swimmer, but it’s more of mental thing ... other than to train hard.

“You have to believe you can pull it off.”

Rio Olympic-bound swimmer Welson Sim warmed up for his pet 200m freestyle race on Friday by taking silver in the 100m freestyle in 50.64.

Indonesia’s Triady Fauzi Sidiq took the gold in 50.36.

Wong Fu Kang failed to retain his men’s 100m breaststroke gold after clocking 1:03.52 for the bronze medal.

Phuket-based Fu Kang also lost the meet record of 1:02.56 he set last year to India’s Sandeep Sejwal, who won in 1:02.45.

RESULTS
(All finals)

MEN

100m freestyle: 1. Triady Fauzi Sidiq (Ina) 50.36, 2. Welson Sim (Swk) 50.64, 3. Aaron D’Souza (Ind) 50.98.

100m breaststroke: 1. Sandeep Sejwal (Ind) 1:02.45 meet rec, 2. Kwok Ka Fai (Hkg) 1:02.99, 3. Wong Fu Kang (Joh) 1:03.52.

200m butterfly: 1. Supriya Mondal (Ind) 2:00.54, 2. Muhammad Hamgari (Ina) 2:03.06, 3. Ayman Klezi (Syr) 2:03.80.

400m IM: 1. Ricky Anggawidjaja (Ina) 4:36.63, 2. Alex Tiong (Swk) 4:42.66, 3. Arvin Shaun Singh (Ter) 4:44.49.

4x100m medley: 1. Indonesia 3:45.49 meet rec, 2. Hong Kong 3:49.34, 3. Selangor 3:58.42.

WOMEN

100m freestyle: 1. Camille Cheng (Hkg) 55.34 meet rec, 2. Chan Kin Lok (Hkg) 57.87, 3. Sagita Putri Krisdewanti (Ina) 58.05.

100m breaststroke: 1. Phee Jinq En (Sel) 1:08.65 national and meet rec, 2. Erika Kong (Swk) 1:12.26, 3. Vanessa Evato (Ina) 1:13.06.

200m butterfly: 1. Raina Saumi Grahana (Ina) 2:19.62, 2. Nicholle Toh (Sin) 2:19.79, 3. Azzahra Permatahani (Ina) 2:20.91.

400m IM: 1. Phiangkhwan Pawapotako (Tha) 4:55.28, 2. Azzahra Permatahani (Ina) 4:58.49, 3. Ressa Kania Dewi (Ina) 5:01.31.

4x100m medley: 1. Hong Kong 4:03.16 meet rec, 2. Indonesia 4:23.23, 3. Selangor 4:28.58.


Read more at
http://www.thestar.com.my/sport/swimming/2016/05/05/phee-inching-closer-to-rio-olympics-with-malaysian-open-win/

All the Best in Malaysia Open Swimming Championships 2016

The Star : Malaysian Open an opportunity for swimmers to get tickets to Rio

BY LIM TEIK HUAT

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Open swimming championships, starting Thursday at the Shah Alam Aquatic Centre, will give Phee Jinq En and Khoo Cai Lin the chance to inch closer to joining Welson Sim on board the plane to the Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

Welson has already made the cut under category A for the men's 200m and 400m freestyle events.

Swimmers who make the A time are assured of competing in the Olympics, while those who dip under the B time will have to wait until the middle of July to know if they’ll make it to Rio.

Eighteen-year-old Jinq En stands a bright chance of making her Olympic debut after setting a new national record of 1:08.99 in the 100m breaststroke at the Singapore national age-group meet in March. Her effort is well under the Olympic B time of 1:10.22.

Cai Lin, meanwhile, just made it under the B time of 4:17.80 for the women’s 400m freestyle after clocking 4:17.79 at the Singapore SEA Games last year. However, it won’t be enough to see her make a third Olympic appearance after Beijing in 2008 and London in 2012 unless she improves on her timing.

Cai Lin is still in the waiting list to qualify for Rio de Janeiro Olympics after clocking just under B time of 4:17.80 in the 400m freestyle at the Singapore SEA Games last year.

The others who have already made it under the B times are Chui Lai Kwan (women's 50m freestyle), Wong Fu Kang (men's 100m breaststroke) and Alywn Tan (men's 100m freestyle).

“We have a few swimmers who are under the B cut, but they’ve no chance of getting a place in Rio ... especially for the sprint freestyle races,” said national coach Paul Birmingham.

“Jinq En swims the 100m breaststroke on the first day of Malaysian Open ... hopefully, she can get a good time.

“Jinq En or Cai Lin may possibly get into the Olympics under the B cut, but they have to improve on their timings to go higher in the ranking.

“As an Olympic qualifying meet, the Malaysian Open this year will be pretty competitive.

“We have good swimmers from India, Hong Kong and Indonesia also pushing for Olympic qualifying times, so we hope our swimmers will be able do fast times.

“Welson’s place in the Olympics is already secured, so I want him to take it easy ... but it’s full steam ahead for the others.”


Read
http://www.thestar.com.my/sport/swimming/2016/05/04/malaysian-open-present-chance-swimmers-to-go-rio/

Zhen Yi, second in Labuan International Sea Challenge 2016

The Labuan International Sea Challenge is an international multi-sport, week-long sports festival in Malaysia. This year it took place from 29 April to 1 May, 2016 at the Labuan International Sea Sport Complex, Labuan.

 A few of our IBSC members participated in the Cross Channel annual swim together with Coach Zoe Khor, and the competition was mainly dominated by Sabahans.

The 5.4 km island-to-island open sea swimming was highly competitive with many international swimmers taking part. Yeong Zhen Yi was met with great challenge indeed as the competition's name suggested and managed a 1st runner-up position under the girls 13-17 years category.

Chong Yong Qi was in 9th position in the same category whilst Coach Zoe Khor managed 4th position in the women 18-39 years category.

Well done IBSC swimmers who have all came home safely with their prize money!

From left : Yeong Zhen Yi, Chong Xian Hao, Chong Yong Qi & Coach Zoe Khor

Zhen Yi's medal

Prize presentation to Zhen Yi

Results : Girls 13-17 years

Results : Girls 19-39 years

Zhen Yi happy with her RM2,000 prize money

Zhen Yi ready to conquer the rough sea

Read more at http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v8/sp/newssports.php?id=1240977