Al Amin talks with Welson Sim (second left) after observing the preparation of swimmers at Paralympic Centre of Excellence in Kampung Pandan. — Bernama photo
KUALA LUMPUR: Chef de mission of the Malaysian contingent to the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games Tan Sri Mohamed Al Amin Abdul Majid does not set a high target to avoid pressure on the athletes.
“I met with the coaches and team managers to understand the position of our athletes. We have to see the ability of our athletes.
“We do not want swimmers such as Welson to be pressured as he is young and has a lot to learn. I told him to enjoy the environment and feeling of being an Olympian,” he said after observing the preparation of swimmers at Paralympic Centre of Excellence in Kampung Pandan yesterday.
He said it was important for Welson Sim, 18, to gain experience of competing in the Olympics at a young age and at least set a personal best record.
Welson, a swimmer from Sarawak qualified for the Olympics on merit in the 200m and 400m freestyle events.
He posted a time of 3:50.33 seconds, faster than the qualifying time of 3:50.44s, in the 400m freestyle at the National Age Group Championship in Singapore in March.
He also booked a slot in the 200m freestyle after clocking 1:47.67s, faster than the national record
of 1:49.21s set by Daniel Bego, at FINA World Championships 2013.
Meanwhile, national swimming head coach Paul Birmingham said that Welson would focus on the 200m and 400m freestyle events.
“We will continue what we are doing like maintaining the speed and endurance work.
“We are happy with his fitness level and hope to peak in August,” he added.
The national swimming squad will continue training in the country before leaving for Florida on July 10 and on to Rio de Janeiro to participate in the Olympic Games. — Bernama