Another Clean Sweep But Lack Of Interest May Pose A Problem

PALEMBANG: Malaysia completed another clean sweep in synchronised swimming – the second since the 2001 KL Games after dishing out stunning performances over the three days.

Although the team, spearheaded by golden duet duo Katrina Ann Hadi and Shareen Png, made winning five gold medals seem like child’s play, it was, in reality, far from it.

The team, made up of experienced swimmers like Shareen, Katrina and Zylane Lee together with youngsters like 16-year-olds Tasha Jane and Emanuelle Mah, had to work hard to overcome several adversities.

First, there was the hostile crowd which pick­ed on Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand, un­­animously booing swimmers from these countries when they marched out for the parade.

High five: The Malaysian synchronised swimming team celebrating with their coach Long Yan (second from left) at the Jakabaring Aquatics Stadium in Palembang on Monday.

Then, there were the speculations that the judging was biased towards the hosts.

Yet, the Malaysian swimmers kept their focus, knuckled down and performed spectacularly to silence the boisterous crowd – time and again.

So dominant were they that even the most biased judge had no choice but to grudgingly give them the points they deserved. No wonder Malaysia are ranked top in the region.

However, although Katrina and company ran the show here, there is a genuine concern over the lack of depth in the squad.

National head coach Long Yan only has 10 swimmers under her charge and all are here at the Games.

That means there is no back-up should one of them be injured.

And that is exactly what happened. Nineteen-year-old Zylane had suffered a neck injury during training two weeks ago and was advised by doctors to rest for six weeks. She was warned that aggravating the injury could lead to paralysis.

But since there was no one to replace her, she travelled with the team. She was only named as a reserve until the final event – the free team combination, which required all 10 swimmers to compete.

And aggravate the injury she did. Fortunately, all is fine. Zylane got her gold and can now look forward to a well-earned break.

“The standard of the Malaysian team is definitely higher than the other SEA countries and winning competitions like this is not much of a problem, or challenge,” said Long Yan, who has been coaching the squad for the past two years.

“There is potential in synchronised swimming and I really hope to guide Katrina and Shareen to the London Olympics next year.

“What bothers me is the lack of junior swimmers coming through at state level. I have just 10 swimmers under my charge. Only two of them – Tasha and Emanuelle – are youngsters who joined us earlier this year. This has to change if we are to stay a dominant force in the region.”

With synchronised swimming not expected to feature in the 2013 Myanmar Games, perhaps it is time for the states to step up to the plate and place more emphasis on a sport that holds much potential for Malaysia.

They have to ensure that interest in the sport does not diminish once current swimmers, like 27-year-old Shareen, call it quits.

This will also give us time to nurture fresh talent for the 2015 Singapore Games, where synchronised swimming will almost certainly be part of the programme.

For now, our golden beauties deserve all the credit – and some much needed rest – for an outstanding campaign.