But once they are in the pool, the pair are one formidable talent in synchronised swimming, having performed above expectations in the 16th Malaysia Games (Sukma).
Yesterday, Jia Jih, 15, and Jia Hui, 13, put on a solid show in the technical duet routine to amass a total of 67.90 points to finish second behind the experienced Selangor duo of Katrina Ann Hadi and Zylane Lee Yhing Huey at the National Aquatic Centre in Bukit Jalil.
Not satisfied, the siblings returned to the pool hours later to help Negri Sembilan clinch another impressive gold medal in the team free routine.
It was their second surprise gold medal, having already won the team technical routine by upsetting the more fancied Penang team.
The Negri Sembilan team, also comprising Wong Xin Ying, Wong Mei Teng, Ooi Shuang, Chai Jia Yue, Gan Hua Wei and Nur Faqihah Abdul Halim and trained by former national coach Hu Shuxia, are certainly a rising force.
Penang, shorn of the likes of national synchronised swimmers Emanuelle Mah and Tasha Jane who are only allowed to compete in two events because of their international experience, could only garner 66.9 points to take silver. Federal Territories took bronze with a score of 64.8.
Yet, Jia Jih, believes that she will only achieve her target when Negri Sembilan win the team combination gold today.
“It’s great to win another gold and the silver with my sister,” said Jia Jih.
“In the 2011 Sukma, we only managed one gold and two silver medals from the team events. So, to win a medal from the duet is a fantastic feeling.
“But we are targetting three golds and we are looking to step it up once more in the team combination event.”
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