Swimmers Finish Third In Medal Haul

Welson Sim (centre) poses with Yeap Zheng Yang of Selangor and Kuala Lumpur’s Wong Jun Bin after the prize presentation.

KANGAR: Sarawak ended their swimming campaign in Sukma XVII as the third best team with nine gold, five silver and three bronze medals last Sunday.

The last swimmer to win gold for the team was Welson Sim Wee Sheng who clocked the time of 16:18.14 in the men’s 1,500m freestyle race.

Second was Yeap Zheng Yang of Selangor who timed 16:33.35 while Kuala Lumpur’s Wong Jun Bin finished third in 16:37.59.

After five days of keen competition at the Aquatic Centre, Perlis Sports Complex, Selangor defended their crown by capturing 11 golds, 18 silvers and 13 bronzes.

Kuala Lumpur were the runners-up with 10 golds, six silvers and nine bronzes.

Out of the nine golds that Sarawak won, Welson Sim, Erika Kong Chia Chia and Angela Chieng Chui Fei contributed two individual golds each and the trio got their third gold in the relay events.

National swimmer Vernon Lee Jeau Zhi was expected to deliver two golds but he only won the men’s 400m freestyle and settled for the silver in the men’s 200m butterfly.

The other gold medals came from the men’s 4x200m freestyle relay (Alex Tiong, Ngui Jiung Wei, Vernon Lee, Welson Sim) and women’s 4x200m freestyle relay (Erika Kong, Nita Wong, Tan Tyng, Angela Chieng).

Sarawak’s silver medals were delivered by Vernon Lee (men’s 200m butterfly), Alex Tiong (men’s 400 IM, men’s 200m breaststroke), Angela Chieng (women’s 400m freestyle) and men’s 4x100m freestyle relay (Allister Chung, Ngui Jiung Wei, Vernon Lee, Welson Sim).

The bronze medals were contributed by Alex Tiong (men’s 100m butterfly), Angela Chieng (women’s 200m

freestyle) and Nita Wong (women’s breaststroke).

Angela Chieng was happy she achieved her target of three golds which matched her exploits in Pahang Sukma.

“I could have done better than this but I wasn’t in my top form and could not adapt to the hot weather here in Perlis, as a result I had fever,” she said.

The SMK Batu Lintang student will be flying off to Singapore to compete in the SEA Age Group Swimming Championship that will be held from June 6-8.

“I am hoping to do well in Singapore,” added Angela.

Head coach Hii Hieng Chiong expressed his satisfaction with the overall performance of the state swimmers as the majority of them had achieved their personal bests in their respective individual events.

“The new faces have shown great potential and they helped us win the men’s and women’s 4x200m relay golds.

“This is a very good sign that they can pose a strong challenge in two years’ time when we host the Sukma XIX in Sarawak,” said Hii.

He was pleased to note that all the three national swimmers Vernon Lee, Welson Sim and Erika Kong are all eligible for Sukma 2016.

Apart from the three national swimmers, 17-year old Angela Chieng is also eligible for Sukma XIX.

Hii said it was a great pity that Sarawak dropped two “expected’ gold medals, otherwise they could have finished second overall.

Amateur Swimming Association of Sarawak (Asas) president Dato Wee Hong Seng conveyed his appreciation and gratitude to the swimming team for contributing the vital nine golds to the state contingent.

“Together we make it happen and together we share the happiest moments of our achievements. Let’s get ready for 2016 and target the overall champions title,” he said.

Wee also thanked Social Development Ministry, Sarawak State Sports Council and all affiliates of Asas for their support and contribution to the state’s swimming success.



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