Cai Lin, a Sea Games gold medallist, is not in prime condition as she has just returned to training after a bout of flu.
"I was down with flu for two weeks and it affected my training. It is best that I take it easy and use this meet to condition myself for next month's Malaysian Open," said Cai Lin at the National Aquatic Centre yesterday.
"Anyway, I do not have the form to make any impact on a timed final age-group event, so it will be pointless for me to push too hard."
The national age-group meet will use the timed final format where winners will be determined by times recorded in the heats.
Cai Lin, who is an established long distance swimmer, has met the Olympic qualifying times for the 400m and 800m freestyle events but will not be attempting both events at the meet.
It is a risky move as she is not guaranteed her Olympic spot as qualification under invitation timing is based on rankings.
The 24-year-old will, however, compete in the 50m, 100m and 200m freestyle events, where she is not expected to make an impact in any of them.
But not all the national swimmers are taking it easy in this meet as Kevin Yeap is aiming to qualify for a second Olympic event in Bukit Jalil.
The 23-year-old freestyler is brimming with confidence after meeting the qualifying invitation time for the 1,500m recently and wants to do the same in the 400m.
"I am the fastest 400m swimmer in this region and I want to make it count by qualifying for the Olympics.
"My personal best of 3:55.07 is just one second off the invitation timing and I believe I can clock a much faster time," said Kevin.
Kevin has been making good progress since joining the national team six years ago and after winning the 400m freestyle at last year's Indonesia Sea Games, is now aiming to make his first Olympic appearance in London.
Read more: SWIMMING / NATIONAL AGE-GROUP CHAMPIONSHIPS: Flu victim Cai Lin will take it easy - Other - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/sports/other/swimming-national-age-group-championships-flu-victim-cai-lin-will-take-it-easy-1.70752#ixzz1rQWoOUTP
No comments:
Post a Comment