The Star Sports : Teen sensation Hoe Yean wants to rule in 800m too

 

PETALING JAYA: Swimming sensation Khiew Hoe Yean (pic) is ready to make the 800m freestyle his new pet event.

The 18-year-old backstroke specialist showed he is just as capable in the middle distance freestyle disciplines with a stellar performance at the Malaysian Open last week.

While smashing former Asian Games gold medallist Lim Keng Liat’s 23-year-old record in the 200m backstroke was something expected from Hoe Yean, his record-breaking feat in the 800m freestyle was nothing short of extraordinary.

Swimming alone and competing for the first time in the event did not stop him from logging a creditable 8:06.00, bettering Welson Sim’s 2019 national record of 8:08.77.

Besides making the Olympic Selection Time (OST) of 8:08.54, that effort would place Hoe Yean seventh at the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia.

This achievement augurs well for Hoe Yean in the future as the event is expected to be featured in more major multi-sport Games.

The men’s 800m freestyle was previously only contested at the World Championships, but it had since been included in the 2018 Asiad and is set to make its debut at the Tokyo Olympics.

“I already have a number of pet events, so I wouldn’t mind adding the 800m free into the list,” said Hoe Yean.

“I’m very pleased to have set a new national record on my first attempt but rest assured there will be more to come.

“There’s one Vietnamese (Asian Games bronze medallist Nguyen Huy Hoang) who’s really fast, so it’s good to have a superior competitor to look up to and keep myself motivated.”

Apart from the 800m, Welson’s dominance in his two other pet events could be under threat if Hoe Yean keeps trending in the right direction.

Hoe Yean signalled his intention to hunt down Welson’s two national records in the 200m freestyle (1:47.36) and 400m freestyle (3:49.29) by triumphing over the latter last week

Hoe Yean’s victories came with personal bests of 1:49.38 in the 200m freestyle and 3:51.56 in the 400m freestyle.

He will be keeping his fingers crossed that the Vietnam SEA Games will proceed as scheduled as he is eager to prove himself on the international stage.

In his debut in the Philippines two years ago, Hoe Yean clinched two bronzes medals – in the 200m backstroke and 4x200m freestyle.

TAGS / KEYWORDS:

Khiew Hoe Yean , Swimming , Freestyle , SEA Games

Swimming: Teen sensation Hoe Yean wants to rule in 800m too | The Star

Bernama : Satu lagi rekod dipecahkan Hoe Yean

 Oleh Vikneswaran Raman

Perenang muda Khiew Hoe Yean memecahkan satu lagi rekod acara 800 meter gaya bebas kebangsaan dan kejohanan dalam Terbuka Malaysia ke-63 di Pusat Akuatik Nasional, hari ini . Kredit gambar: Majlis Sukan Negara (MSN)

KUALA LUMPUR, 13 Jun -- Perenang muda Khiew Hoe Yean memecahkan satu lagi rekod acara 800 meter gaya bebas kebangsaan dan kejohanan dalam Terbuka Malaysia ke-63 di Pusat Akuatik Nasional, hari ini.

Perenang berusia 19 tahun itu yang merupakan peserta tunggal, mencatatkan masa lapan minit dan 06.00 saat (8:06.00s) untuk memadamkan rekod wakil Olimpik negara Welson Sim  yang mencatat masa  8:09.77s di Kejohanan Renang Terbuka Victoria pada Februari 2019. 

Pencapaian hari ini juga membantu perenang Kuala Lumpur itu memadamkan rekod kejohanan 8:12.11s  oleh Srihari Nataraj dari India pada 2019, selain berada di bawah Masa Pilihan Olimpik (OST) pada  8:08.54s, menghampiri Masa Kelayakan Olimpik (OQT) pada 7:54.31s.

“Ini kali pertama saya berenang dalam acara 800m gaya bebas, jadi ia merupakan ketika dan masa yang baik.

Tetapi sebelum saya berenang, Saya yakin saya mampu bergerak pantas kerana saya rasa hebat semasa  memanas badan dan saya beraksi cemerlang dan memecahkan rekod. Sejujurnya saya menyasarkan rekod itu sebelum saya terjun,” katanya kepada Bernama. 

Hoe Yean juga mencatat masa di bawah 1:50.23s OST dalam acara 200m gaya bebas lelaki hari ini untuk memenangi acara itu dengan masa 1:49.38s, masing-masing mengalahkan pemegang rekod Welson (1:50.64s) di tempat kedua dan Low Zheng Yong (1:56.28s) di tempat ketiga.

Semalam, Hoe Yean memecahkan rekod kebangsaan berusia 23 tahun, 200m kuak lentang dengan mencatatkan masa 2:00.80s memadamkan rekod 2:00.94s bekas bintang negara Alex Lim Keng Liat.

Setakat ini, Hoe Yean telah melepas OST dalam acara 200m, 400m, 800m gaya bebas dan 200m acara kuak lentang, sementara Welson dan Phee Jing En masing-masing melepasi OST dalam 400m gaya bebas lelaki dan 100m kuak dada wanita. 

Hanya perenang yang memenuhi OQT dalam acara masing-masing menjelang 27 Jun dijamin slot di Olimpik. Dalam kes acara 200m acara kuak lentang, OQT ialah  1:57.50s.

Perenang juga boleh layak di bawah OST, berdasarkan penglibatan universal bermakna sesebuah negara tanpa wakil yang layak ke Olimpik akan dibenarkan untuk menyertai dengan hanya seorang perenang lelaki dan seorang perenang wanita ke Sukan Olimpik Tokyo. 

-- BERNAMA

The Star Sports : Hoe Yean’s unstoppable in the pool as he breaks national record again

By TAN MING WAI

PETALING JAYA: Teen sensation Khiew Hoe Yean is simply unstoppable as he capped off a superb week at the Malaysian Open swimming championships with another national record.

And he did it in style as the record fell in his first attempt in the men’s 800m freestyle.

Despite swimming alone, the 18-year-old managed to clock 8:06.00 at the National Aquatic Centre in Bukil Jalil yesterday to erase Welson Sim’s previous mark of 8:08.77 in 2019.

Hoe Yean’s effort made the Olympic Selection Time (OST) of 8:08.54.

Impressive feat: Khiew Hoe Yean clocked 8:06.00 in the men’s 800m freestyle event of the Malaysian Open at the National Aquatic Centre in Bukil Jalil.

On Saturday, Hoe Yean broke the 23-year-old record held by Welson in the 400m freestyle.

With barely an hour of rest, Hoe Yean returned to the pool and outpaced Welson in the 200m freestyle when he touched the wall in a brilliant 1:49.38, way ahead of second-placed Welson who managed 1:50.64 – a far cry from his own national mark of 1:47.36 in 2017.

Hoe Yean did better than his previous personal best of 1:51.26 and it earned him another OST as his effort was well under the 1:50.23 qualifying mark. Hoe Yean was delighted with his performance after netting four personal bests on his first return to competition since the National Age-Group Championships in March last year.

“It feels great. It’s my first time swimming the 800m free but my target was to break the record. I was however surprised but satisfied with my 200m free,” said Hoe Yean.

“Every single competition is real even though there’s no spectators or competitors. I will always take every meet seriously.

“I’m very pleased because I showed improvement each day and ended the meet with four personal bests. I will build on it!”

Hoe Yean has just given Malaysia Swimming (MS) a good reason to pick him instead of Welson for the Olympics.

Currently, Welson and Phee Jinq En are the only Malaysian swimmers who have made the OST list based on their results at the 2019 Sea Games in the Philippines but the national body intend to use the universality places allocation, where they can recommend one male and female.

Asked if he harbours hope of securing his Olympics debut, said Hoe Yean: “ I don’t know about it but I believe I have done my best by swimming as fast as I can. The rest is beyond my control.”

Bernama : Renang: Hoe Yean pecahkan rekod 23 tahun

 KUALA LUMPUR, 12 Jun -- Walaupun menjadi satu-satunya peserta acara 200 meter (m) kuak lentang di Terbuka Malaysia ke-63 hari ini, ia tidak melemahkan semangat Khiew Hoe Yean untuk memecahkan rekod kebangsaan berusia 23 tahun.

Hoe Yean, 19, yang menjadi satu-satunya peserta acara itu yang diadakan secara tertutup akibat COVID-19 itu, mencatatkan masa dua minit dan 0.80 saat (s), bagi memadamkan rekod lama dipegang Alex Lim Keng Liat 2:00.94s yang dicatatkannya ketika memenangi pingat perak di Sukan Asia Bangkok 1998.

Selain itu, catatan masa itu juga membolehkan perenang itu mencatakan masa melepasi Masa Pemilihan Olimpik (OST) 2:01:03s.

“Saya rasa amat gembira sehingga tidak tahu nak kata apa. Saya gembira kerana saya telah mencatatkan masa kelayakan B dalam satu lagi acara dan memecahkan rekod kebangsaan,” kata perenang dari Kuala Lumpur kepada Bernama ketika dihubungi.

“Saya tidak rasakan sebarang kelainan untuk berenang sendirian kerana ia acara kuak lentang. Saya tidak dapat lihat apa yang berlaku selain langit ataupun bumbung, jadi saya rasa tiada masalah untuk berenang sendirian. Tidak ada perbezaan jika anda tahu apa yang anda perlu lakukan,” katanya.

Esok, Hoe Yean akan meneruskan penyertaannya dalam acara 200m dan 800m gaya bebas.

Semalam, Hoe Yean yang kejohanan kali terakhirnya menyaksikan beliau menang lapan pingat emas di Kejohanan Renang Jemputan Malaysia pada Mac tahun lepas, mengalahkan Welson Sim dan memenangi acara 400m gaya bebas lelaki dengan catatan masa 3:51.56s, satu lagi catatan melepasi OST.

Hanya perenang yang telah mencapai Masa Kelayakan Olimpik (OQT) dalam acara masing-masing sebelum 27 Jun, mengesahkan tempat mereka ke Olimpik. Bagi 200m kuak lentang, OQT bagi acara tersebut ialah 1:57.50s.

Sehingga kini Welson dan Hoe Yean telah melepasi OST bagi acara 400m gaya bebas, manakala Phee Jinq En melepasi masa bagi acara 100m kuak dada wanita.

Perenang juga boleh layak menerusi OST, berdasarkan kepada penyertaan universal, iaitu negara yang tidak mempunyai atlet yang layak ke Olimpik, dibenarkan untuk menyertainya dengan seorang perenang lelaki dan seorang wanita untuk Sukan Olimpik Tokyo.

Sementara itu Welson mengungguli acara 100m kuak kupu-kupu dengan catatan masa 55.38s, mengalahkan Low Zheng Yong (56.90s) dan Jordan Yip (56.94s) di tempat kedua dan ketiga.

-- BERNAMA

 

The Star : Float like a butterfly

PETALING JAYA: Singapore has Joseph Schooling but Malaysia may one day be bragging about an Olympian swimmer of their own in teen butterfly specialist Bryan Leong.

Champion in the making: KL swimmer Bryan Leong is on track to emulate Singapore’s Joseph Schooling in becoming a butterfly specialist of Olympic standard.

The 16-year-old cracked a long standing 11-year record en route to clinching his second gold for Kuala Lumpur in the National Schools (MSSM) swimming championships at the Tuanku Zara Aquatic Centre in Ipoh yesterday.

Bryan clocked a superb 56.14 to dip under Foo Jian Beng’s meet record of 56.21 set in 2008 – in winning the boys’ 16-18 age-group 100m butterfly event.

Melaka’s Low Zheng Yong claimed the silver with 56.90 ahead of KL’s Koh Teck Chen, who placed third with 57.58.

For Bryan, it is his second gold medal in the meet as he won the 50m butterfly event on Sunday. Bryan came close to breaking the meet record of 25.42 held by Keith Lim of KL since 2016 with his winning time of 25.51.

Bryan was all smiles yesterday as he proved his point after switching colours from Selangor to swim for KL-based Ikan Bilis Swimming Club.

The Garden International School student caught the eye of many by breaking Schooling’s 50m butterfly 14-15 age-group record at the 14th Singapore Island Country Club (SICC) invitation tournament last September.

Bryan’s winning time in the 100m butterfly – the same event where Schooling splashed to Olympic gold for Singapore in Rio de Janeiro in 2016 – is also faster than the winning time of 56.55 clocked by Sabah’s Hollymax Bell at the Perak Sukma last year.

Bryan has yet to compete in the Sukma and is definitely a new talent to watch out for when he swims in the 2020 edition in Johor.

KL also owned another meet record yesterday when Khiew Hoe Yean improved on his own meet record of 2:06.93 set last year in winning the boys’ 16-18 200m backstroke event in 2:05.55.

It was the 16-year-old’s third gold medal. He came out tops in the 200m freestyle and 100m backstroke on Sunday.


Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/sport/swimming/2019/03/26/float-like-a-butterfly/#LubyUKa1bK8kM07E.99

The Star : Whoa, Hoe Yean!

KUALA LUMPUR: Teenager Khiew Hoe Yean (pic) underlined his huge potential by breaking an eight-year meet record on the first day of the National Schools (MSSM) swimming championships at the Tuanku Zara Aquatic Centre in Ipoh.

The 16-year-old clocked 58.53 to win the boys’ group 1 (16-18) 100m backstroke event for Kuala Lumpur.

Hoe Yean cracked the previous meet record of 59.02 held by former national swimmer Ian James Barr since 2011.

Sarawak’s Hii Puong Wei settled for silver with 1:00.08 ahead of Kuala Lumpur’s Koh Teck Chen, who finished in 1:01.24.

Hoe Yean, who has been based at the national training set-up in Bukit Jalil this year, was delighted to deliver two golds for KL.

“I didn’t expect to break Ian’s record. My focus was just to improve in every competition. It’s good to meet the expectations of my team,” said Hoe Yean.

“I’m happy to swim faster than what I did at the Sukma in the 100m backstroke. I clocked 58.86 in Sukma six months ago and I’m happy to improve on my personal best,” added Hoe Yean, who still has seven more events to go over the next four days.

Two more meet records sank in the pool as well. Penang’s Chris Chew smashed the previous meet record of 26.84 set by Sarawak’s Nee Gui Ping in 2015 by winning the boys’ 13-15 50m butterfly event in 26.46.

Sabah’s Loo Yie Bing clocked a new meet record by winning the girls’ 7-12 50m butterfly in 30.56, improving on the previous mark of 30.94 set by Selangor’s Elise Wong in 2016.


Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/sport/swimming/2019/03/25/whoa-hoe-yean/#aRquOPscb5mpGqV2.99

The Star : FT swimmer Keith Lim caps last Sukma in record-breaking fashion

KEITH LIM bade farewell to the Malaysia Games (Sukma) in perfect fashion by breaking the Games record twice en route to successfully defending the boys’ 50m freestyle title.

The 20-year-old, swimming for Federal Territories, splashed to victory in 23.19 in the final at the Tuanku Zara Aquatic Centre yesterday to improve on the previous record he set in the morning heat.

Keith had posted 23.44 in the heats to qualify fastest for the final, smashing a 10-year record of 23.45 held by Foo Jian Beng of Selangor since 2008.

That record lasted just a few hours as Keith touched home first in the final, shaving a further 0.25 seconds to earn his fourth gold medal of the Games.

Keith won the 100m freestyle three days ago and was part of the winning 4x100m and 4x200m freestyle quartets for FT.

“This is my last Sukma as I am not eligible for the next one, so I’m happy to break the record on the last day,” said the Bukit Jalil-based swimmer, who also holds the national record in the 50m freestyle with a time of 23.10 set at the Mare Nostrum series in Monaco in June.

“I hope it does not stay too long and somebody will come up and break it,” said Keith.

It was a wonderful final day for the FT swimming team as Steve Khiew sprang another surprise by winning the boys’ 100m backstroke event.

The 15-year-old clocked 58.86 ahead of Selangor duo Yin Chuen (58.97) and Jordan Yip (59.06) for his second individual gold medal. Steve won the 200m backstroke event on Monday.

Terengganu swimmer Arvin Shaun Singh notched a double by winning the 1,500m freestyle event when the Brisbane-based swimmer completed the 30-lap race in 15:58.26 ahead of FT’s Sebastian Soon (15:59.52).

Selangor retained their overall champions’ title with 12 golds while Penang and FT earned six each in the pool this time.


Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/sport/swimming/2018/09/22/from-keith-to-man-ft-swimmer-caps-last-sukma-in-recordbreaking-fashion/#qluz1su41sBHLXoB.99

The Malay Mail : Keith Lim cracks Sukma 50m freestyle record twice

IPOH, Sept 21 — National swimmer, Keith Lim of Federal Territories was in top form today at the Tuanku Zara Aquatic Centre pool when he rewrote the Malaysia Games (Sukma) 50 metre freestyle record twice.

In the heats, this morning, Keith clocked the fastest time of 23.44 seconds to erase the 10-year-old record of 23.45s set by Selangor’s Foo Jian Beng in the 2008 edition in Terengganu.

In the final, Keith shattered his own record with a time of 23.19s and won the gold medal in style.

“This is my last Sukma appearance... I was hoping to break the national record I created but it did not materialise,” he told Bernama after the race.

The silver medal went to Penang swimmer Lim Yin Chuen who clocked 23.80s while the bronze was won by Selangor’s Lim Zi Win in 24.06s.

The national record of 23.10s was set by Keith in June at the Mare Nostrum Monte Carlo, Monaco to rewrite the record of 23.17s set by Alwyn Tan in 2015.

In all, Keith collected four gold medals in this Sukma including the 100m freestyle, 4x100m medley relay and 4x200m medley relay.

After this, Keith who is a finance and investment student at University College Sedaya International (UCSI) will be participating in the Asean University Games in Myanmar in December. — Bernama

Sinar Online : Keith Lim dua kali pecah rekod Sukma

IPOH - Perenang kebangsaan, Keith Lim dari Wilayah Persekutuan menggegarkan Pusat Akuatik Tuanku Zara, Kompleks Sukan MBI hari ini apabila dua kali memecahkan rekod Sukan Malaysia (Sukma ) 2018 dalam acara 50 meter (m) gaya bebas.

Pada sesi saringan di sebelah pagi, Keith melakukan catatan masa terpantas 23.44 saat untuk meleburkan rekod 10 tahun milik atlet Selangor Foo Jian Beng, 23.45s yang dilakukan pada Sukma Terengganu 2008.


Beliau sekali lagi memperbaharui rekodnya sendiri pada aksi final di sebelah malam dengan catatan masa terpantas 23.19s, sekali gus menyaksikan beliau membawa pulang pingat emas penuh bergaya.

“Ini acara terakhir dalam penampilan terakhir saya pada Sukma...sebenarnya saya menyasarkan untuk memecahkan rekod kebangsaan milik saya sendiri tetapi tidak tercapai.

“Saya sedikit kecewa kerana mungkin tersilap percaturan. Tetapi tidak mengapa kerana saya dapat menyumbang pingat buat kontinjen Wilayah Persekutuan,” katanya kepada Bernama selepas menamatkan perlumbaan.

Pingat perak acara itu diraih atlet Pulau Pinang Lim Yin Chuen yang melakukan 23.80s manakala gangsa menjadi milik wakil Selangor, Lim Zi Win dengan catatan 24.06s.

Rekod kebangsaan acara berkenaan ialah 23.10s yang dilakar Keith pada Jun lalu di Mare Nostrum, Monte Carlo, Monaco, memecahkan rekod sebelum ini milik Alwyn Tan (23.17s) pada 2015.

Keith cemerlang mengutip keseluruhan empat pingat emas pada penampilannya kali ini, termasuk 100m gaya bebas, 4x100m rampaian berganti-ganti dan 4x200m rampaian berganti-ganti.

Selepas ini, Keith yang merupakan pelajar University College Sedaya International (UCSI) dalam jurusan kewangan dan pelaburan akan menyertai Sukan Universiti Asean di Myanmar, Disember depan. - Bernama

2 more gold on final day of SUKMA Perak 2018

21 September, 2018 - Final Day 5 of SUKMA Perak 2018 presented 2 more GOLD to Team WIPERS of Majlis Sukan Wilayah Persekutuan.

The amazing feat was achieved by Keith Lim - 50m freestyle who swam 23.19 to renew Foo Jian Beng's 2008 meet record of 23.45. Keith holds the national record of 50m free timing of 23.10.

Earlier Steve Khiew launched himself to gold too in 100m backstroke touching first at 58.86, perfecting his own PB of 58.98 clocked during Asean School Games.

Meanwhile, Sebastian Soon faced stiff challenge from Arvin Shaun (TRG) in the  1500m freestyle as they paced each other very closely. Sebastian settled for silver despite clocking his PB of 15:59.52, shedding more than 10s off, whilst Arvin took to gold at 15:58.26. The bronze went to Low Zheng Yong (MLK) at 16:24.64.

In the penultimate event, Team WPKL also medalled in 4x100m medley relay for the Women. The ladies achieved Bronze with combined effort from Karla Lim starting off the backstroke, Ng Zisyuen (breast), Georgene Wee (fly) and anchored by Latifa Zahra in freestyle as they hit third fastest time of 4:39.63.

In the last event for the game the Men medley relay won Silver made possible by Steve Khiew (back), Adam Afif (breast), Koh Teck Chen (fly) and Chan Jun Jian  (free) achieving a time of 3:55.63.

Huge CONGRATS to all the medallists!

Wilayah Persekutuan medals standing of 6 gold, 5 silver and 5 bronze for swimming has improved FT's position to #2 compared to last SUKMA 2016.

Download Full Results of SUKMA Perak 2018.

Well Done Team Wipers!

#TeamWipers #SukamPerak2018 #IBSC

Steadfast KL boys broke meet record in 4x200m freestyle relay

The 4th day of swimming in SUKMA Perak 2018 at Pusat Akuatik Tuanku Zara, produced the most gratifying results thus far with the Men Relay Team smashing the meet record in the 4x200m freestyle relay, thanks to steadfast swimmers led by Keith Lim, Steve Khiew, Chan Jun Jian and Sebastian Soon as the anchorman. A brilliant finish at a neat time of 7:40.17 erasing the old record of 7:43.67 previously held by Selangor. Well done Team Wipers!

Team Selangor came second (7:45.98) and Sarawak settled for bronze (7:59.18).

Women 4x200m freestyle relay winners, Selangor, Wilayah Persekutuan and Sabah.

The KL girls also made commendable effort in winning SILVER in 4x200m freestyle relay with dashing swimmers Ashley Ting, Nuratifa Zahra, Karla Lim Kay Yee and Georgene Wee. Well done.

Ng Zi Syuen, won bronze in her pet event 200m breaststroke

Prior to the relays, Ng Zi Syuen also made Coach Shazali proud as she stood on  the podium receiving her bronze in 200m breaststroke with a new PB of 2:47.14.

CONGRATULATIONS to all the medalists for the day!

#TeamWipers
#SukmaPerak2018
#IBSC

Team Event produced another gold in Day 3 of SUKMA Perak 2018

Day 3 swimming in SUKMA Perak 2018 climaxed as the men's relay team in 4x100m freestyle event teamed up to produce another gold for Team Wipers. The quartet swimmers are led by Keith Lim who sped with a impressive split of 50.63 for the first leg, followed by Low Ken Ji (53.51), Steve Khiew  (53.00) and lastly anchored home by Chan Jun Jian (52.22) to a golden finish of 3:29.36.

Selangor came second at 3:30.29 and Sarawak team settled for 3rd placing at 3:35.44.

CONGRATULATIONS to the WPKL Team.

Earlier in the morning, Adam Afif qualified in the morning heats in 50m breaststroke by clocking 30.83 to secure a lane in the afternoon finals where he improved to 30.17 to settle for a bronze.

Proud moments with Coach Shazali and Adam Afif

See more photos at IBSC Gallery.

#TeamWipers
#SukmaPerak2018
#IBSC

The Star : Chia Tong ends Melaka’s 18-year wait for swimming gold

SWIMMER Goh Chia Tong ended an 18-year agonising wait for Melaka when she powered her way to victory in the girls’ 200m backstroke race at the Tuanku Zara Aquatic Centre in Ipoh.

The last time Melaka won a gold medal in swimming was in the 2000 Penang edition when Abdul Hafiz Saleh bagged the boys’ 100m breastroke event. And Chia Tong was not even born yet.

But last night, the Melaka camp erupted in celebration after the 14-year-old Chia Tong overtook Selangor’s Rosalind Pang in the final leg of the 200m backstroke race to win in 2:25.53 and end the state’s gold medal drought in the pool.

Rosalind won the silver with 2:25.63 while Johor swimmer Ong Yong Qi bagged the bronze in 2:28.32.

“I was expecting to win this event as I did a personal best of 2:23.00 during the Malaysian Open in Bukit Jalil in May this year,” said Chia Tong, who started swimming since eight.

“I’ve improved a lot since I joined the national team in Bukit Jalil a year ago. It’s definitely my best outing as I just got a bronze in the same event in Kuching two years ago.

“But I’m not stopping here. I hope to get more medals as I’ll compete in the 400m, 800m freestyle and the 100m backstroke next.”

Federal Territories team also had plenty to cheer about with victories from youngster Steve Khiew in the boys’ 200m backstroke and Keith Lim in the boys’ 100m freestyle.

The 15-year-old debutant Steve led all the way to win the 200m backstroke in 2:08.02 ahead of Selangor’s Terence Ng, who posted 2:09.12.

“I’ve got the gold medal but I’m not so happy with the time. I was hoping to break the Games record of 2:07.02 as I’ve previously did a 2:06.77 in the Malaysian Open this year,” said Steve.

Keith successfully retained his 100m freestyle gold, finishing first in 50.89.

Selangor and Penang also took home two golds each. Elynn Tan took her tally to three after winning the 50m butterfly and 100m freestyle races. The United States-based swimmer won the 50m backstroke event on Monday.

Selangor claimed both boys’ and girls’ 200m individual medley titles through Jordan Yip (2:06.64) and Nadia Adrianna Redza (2:26.44) respectively.


Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/sport/swimming/2018/09/19/a-success-to-savour-chia-tong-ends-melakas-18year-wait-for-swimming-gold/#Diy27sIdBx9jYMAD.99

2nd Day of SUKMA Perak yielded 2 gold and a bronze

200m backstroke winner with Steve Khiew winning the event

Steve flanked by Team Manager, Cyrena Yong (left) and Coach Zhang Hongbo and En. Haekal from MSWP

Day 2 in SUKMA Perak 2018 shined with gold as Steve Khiew secured the first gold for Team WIPERS in his favourite 200m backstroke event. Steve Khiew finished a neat 2:08.02 to claim victory even though not his PB. Second placing behind Steve went to Terrence Ng (Sel) (2:09.12) whilst Hii Puong Wei (Swk) settled for bronze (2:10.56).

The 2nd gold was scooped up Keith Lim as expected as he raced to touch first with a great time of 50.89 in the 100m freestyle event. Penang's Lim Yin Chuen took silver (51.12) and the bronze went to Selangor's Terrence Ng (52.66).

Keith Lim won gold in 100m free

Meanwhile, in the 200m IM event, Sebastian has to settle for the bronze as he came third with a time of 2:07.66 behind Jordan Yip (Sel) and Arvin Shaun (Trg).

Sebastian Soon managed a bronze in 200m IM

CONGRATULATIONS to all the medalists.

See more photos at IBSC Gallery.

#TeamWipers
#SukmaPerak2018
#IBSC

First debut in SUKMA Perak 2018 for Steve and Sebastian earned them silvers

Congratulations to both Steve Khiew and Sebastian Soon as their first debut in Sukan Malaysia in SUKMA XIX Perak 2018 has earned them silvers on day 1, 17 September, 2018.

Team Wipers officials having a group photos with Steve Khiew and Sebastian Soon.

Steve Khiew

Steve Khiew's 2nd placing came in 50m backstroke as he hit a new PB of 27.26 in the afternoon final. In the morning preliminary qualifying heats, he also swam an earlier best time of  26.57 to be seeded first.

Sebastian Soon

Meanwhile, Sebastian Soon swam to a faster time of 4:30.79 to a new PB but has to settle for silver in 400m IM event as he finished slightly behind Tia'a Faang Der (Johor) who broke the national as well as meet record with 4:30.48

Photos credit to Majlis Sukan Wilayah Persekutuan.

The Star : Silver on his debut isn’t bad at all for FT’s Steve

IT was not gold but Federal Territories swimmer Steve Khiew was a pleased boy.

The 15-year-old made his Malaysia Games (Sukma) debut by taking silver behind Jordan Yip of Selangor in the boys’ 50m backstroke final at the Tuanku Zara Aquatic Center last night.

Steve clocked 27.26 with Jordan sprinting to gold for Selangor in 27.04 while Sarawak’s Hii Puong Wei claimed bronze with 27.56.

Steve said winning a silver was unexpected although he was the fastest qualifier in the morning heats.

“I did not expect a silver in my first event as I’m not so good in the sprint events. Jordan is three years older than me and he has won a few gold medals at the last Sukma in Kuching two years ago, so it is not surprising for him to win.

“I’m happy with this medal as I posted my personal best,” said Steve, whose previous personal best was 27.60.

The strong swim will boost Steve’s confidence ahead of the 100m and 200m distance races next.


Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/sport/swimming/2018/09/18/silver-on-his-debut-isnt-bad-at-all-for-fts-steve/#3p57RAjP6fIx7I5M.99

The Star : FT swimmers out to make big splash in debuts

SEBASTIAN Soon (pic) and Steve Khiew are all pumped up to make a big splash for Federal Territories in their Malaysia Games (Sukma) debuts in the swimming competition starting in Ipoh today.

Only 16, Sebastian is looking promising to upset the form book in the boys’ 400m individual medley for FT following his record breaking performance at the Asean Schools Games in Kuala Lumpur in July.

Sebastian clocked 4:30.85 in the boys’ 400m individual medley to break Lim Ching Hwang’s national record of 4:31.01 set at the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games last year. He also won the 200m individual medley and 1,500m freestyle titles at the school meet.

His time is already well inside the existing Sukma record of 4:34.14 held by Die Ung Manggang of Sarawak since 2002 and he is up for the challenge.

“I hope to do another personal best time again and hopefully, it will be good for a medal.

“I expect Selangor swimmer Jordan Yip, my teammate Steve and Johor’s Tia’a Faang Der to pose a strong challenge, so it will be an exciting fight between us.”

He will also be swimming in the 200m individual medley, 400m and 1,500 freestyle individual events.

The individual medley discipline is the hardest to focus on as one needs to be good in all four strokes and both Sebastian and Steve have put in the hard work.

Steve, who is only 15, is also in with a chance to create an upset in the pool.

His personal best of 2:06.77 clocked in winning the 200m backstroke at the Malaysian Open in May this year makes him a strong contender to take gold.

Steve’s time is faster than the existing Sukma record of 2:07.02 set by Tern Jian Han of Johor since 2014.

“I’m not so good in sprinting, so I’m focusing on the 100m and 200m backstroke. This is a senior competition for me, so it will not be easy but of course, I will try my best,” said Steve.

“Jordan (Yip) will be my strongest rival for the backstroke events.”

Selangor ruled the roost with 20 golds in Kuching two years ago but they can expect FT, Melaka, Penang and Sarawak to give strong fights over the next five days.

Sarawak will be counting on middle and long distance female swimmer Angela Chieng while FT can bank on 100m freestyle national record holder Keith Lim to deliver the goods.

Selangor will be banking on Rosalind Pang, Nadia Adrianna Redza and Jordan to lead the way while Melaka will be hoping Goh Chia Tong can steal the show in the backstroke events.


Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/sport/swimming/2018/09/17/ft-swimmers-out-to-make-big-splash-in-debuts/#tPIOBiWpiGDfjW32.99

The Star : Keith eyeing national records in his final Sukma

IT’S time to rock the pool with swimmer Keith Lim aiming for a smashing time in his final Sukma appearance at Tuanku Zara Aquatic Centre in Ipoh next week.

The 20-year-old will be swimming for Federal Territories and is aiming to sprint away to a new national record in the 50m freestyle or the longer 100m freestyle race.

Keith clocked 23.10s in the 50m freestyle at the Mare Nostrum series in Monaco in June to erase the previous national record of 23.17s set by Alwyn Tan back in 2015.

His personal best is already well inside the Sukma Games record of 23.45s held by Foo Jian Beng of Selangor since 2008.

The national record for the 100m freestyle is 50.16s held by Daniel Bego since 2009.

“I have gone faster than both Games records for the 50m and 100m freestyle, so I will try to repeat it in Ipoh.

“Hopefully, I can dip under the 23 seconds mark.

“It’s my third and also last Sukma outing, so I just hope to swim as fast as I can to defend the two sprint titles,” said Keith, who is based at Bukit Jalil.

He is a first year student at UCSI University in finance and investment but studies will not take a backseat for the moment.

“There is the Asean University Games in Myanmar in December, so I will continue to train in Bukit Jalil after Sukma,” added Keith, who will also swim the 4x100m freestyle, 4x200m freestyle and 4x100m medley relays for FT.

A total of 38 gold medals are up for grabs in the swimming competition, which takes place from Sept 17-21.


Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/sport/swimming/2018/09/15/keith-eyeing-national-records-in-his-final-sukma/#rM3e1ZyQFbc1sYHE.99

The Star : Double mission for swimmers

FEDERAL Territories aquatics team have a duty to put up a big splash at the Malaysia Games (Sukma) in Perak.

The team harbour hopes that their sterling performance in Sukma will help convince the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to provide funding to refurbish the Bandar Tun Razak Swimming Complex in the city.

The swimming complex is an outdoor pool maintained by DBKL. It was also the venue where Nurul Huda Abdullah splashed to win eight gold medals when Malaysia hosted the SEA Games in 1989, a feat that has never been repeated since.

It has since became the training ground for the FT swimmers and divers but it is badly in need of a roof and a new scoreboard.

Sebastian Soon

“The scoreboard has broken down for some time and we are unable to host any national level meets because of this,” said Nancy. “The existing scoreboard has to be changed as it is too old.

“It’s also been our hope for many years that we have a roof over the pool.

“We either conduct training in the morning or late in the evening because of the hot weather. A simple roof will do.

“Swimming is a good all-round sport and we want to entice more kids to take up the sport with better facilities.

“If we get good results in Sukma, it will help our cause,” she added.

FT, spearheaded by talented youngsters Sebastian Soon (pic), Steve Khiew and Keith Lim, should better the previous haul of five golds from the previous Sukma outing in Kuching, Sarawak two years ago.

“Sebastian and Keith are national swimmers holding national records in the 400m individual medley and 50m freestyle respectively.

“We hope the three of them will finish on top this time. Together with diving, we are hopeful of getting nine or 10 golds from aquatics although we do not have the services of Wong Jun Bin.

“Jun Bin, who took part in the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games last year, could not swim for us as he had to start his studies in the United States this month.

“He would have been a good bet to win in the longer distance freestyle races.”

The FT swimmers have engaged the services of Chinese coach Zhang Hongbao to prepare for the Perak Sukma.

Swimming takes place in Ipoh from Sept 17-21.


Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/sport/swimming/2018/09/13/double-mission-for-swimmers-ft-team-hope-good-results-in-sukma-will-convince-dbkl-to-refurbish-swimm/#bwuRg1H4QMlvtPF8.99

The Star : Malaysian relay quartet set new national record

Quick reflexes: Welson Sim in action during the men’s 4x100m freestyle at the Gelora Bung Karno Aquatic Centre yesterday.

THIS is for you, coach.

Welson Sim anchored the Malaysian relay quartet to a new national record in the men’s 4x100m freestyle event at the Gelora Bung Karno Aquatic Centre last night as a gift for outgoing national coach Paul Birmingham.

The quartet of Chan Jie, Foong Wei Tze, Keith Lim and Welson powered their way to finish sixth place in a time of 3:21.06 in the final.

Chan Jie, Keith, Lim Ching Hwang and Welson set the previous national mark of 3:21.79 at the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games last year.

“We wanted to do something for our coach (Paul Birmingham).

“I was confident we can bring down the national record tonight as we were just one second off the mark.

“I am happy to achieve something here,” said Welson, who is from Sarawak.

It was the second national record for Welson.

He clocked 8:12.46 to improve on his personal best of 8:12.74 in the 800m freestyle – a non-Olympic event – on Monday.

Rio Olympic swimmer Phee Jinq En will take to the lanes to aim to qualify for the women’s 50m breaststroke final today.


Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/sport/swimming/2018/08/23/malaysian-relay-quartet-set-new-national-record/#dzDYUrmvLEjcYztb.99