Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Pictures: Courtesy of BASA and Muis
THREE national open records and nine age group records were broken during the 27th Brunei Age Group (LC) Swimming Championships over the weekend.
National swimmer Muhammad Isa Ahmad, who is targeting a berth at this year’s SEA Games in the Philippines, set two of those open records during the three-day competition at the National Aquatics Centre in Berakas.
He broke the men’s 50m breaststroke open record on Friday with a time of 30.07 seconds bettering his old time by 0.44s.
The 21-year-old then improved the open record in the 100m breaststroke event clocking 1:07.90 yesterday smashing his old time by 1.50s, which he set back in November 2013.
Muhammad Isa, who is known as Muis, was delighted with his performances.
“Overall I’m really happy with my races. I’ve managed to achieve two national records and 3 personal bests out of the six events I competed in,” said Muis in an interview with BruSports News when contacted.
“I’ve kept the ball rolling since the Brunei Open last year breaking seven records in a space of seven months.
“Now I’m focused on keeping consistent for the rest of the year,” he added.
When asked about his chances on qualifying for the SEA Games, he replied: “The SEA Games is my main goal for the this year as well as the World Championships to be held in Korea in July.
“I’m unsure about the selection process right now as it’s still early in the year but I do hope to hear from JBS soon,” he added.
Ashley Chai, swimming under the banner of PPSC (Peak Performance Swim Club), was the other to set a new national open record.
She broke the women’s 100m backstroke record on Saturday after finishing with a time of 1:12.57, beating Hamizah Ahmad’s old time of 1:12.60.
The 18-year-old was surprised by the result and felt that the hard work has finally paid off.
“I was honestly very shocked that I broke the record and didn’t believe it when I finished my race until I saw the board,” said Chai.
“I’ve been trying to break Hamizah’s 100 backstroke record for 3-4 years. I’ve always come close but never did until now.
“It really shows how important it is to have a goal and never lose sight of it,” she added.
“I’ve had great support from friends, family and most importantly my coach Victor Tan, who made me the swimmer I am today,” concluded the Bueno Aires Youth Olympian.
Meanwhile, PPSC were the biggest winners of the competition after winning 61 gold, 51 silver and 39 bronze medals.
Brunei Speed Swimming Club came in second with their haul of 23 gold, 10 silver and 10 bronze.
Hammerheads Swimming Club claimed third spot with 19 gold, 40 silver and 31 bronze medals.
