KUCHING, Aug 23: In a stunning display of endurance and teamwork, Sarawak’s women’s swimming team clinched a well-deserved silver medal in the 4×200 metre freestyle relay at the SUKMA XXI Sarawak 2024. The event, held at the Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre, showcased the relentless spirit and determination of the home team as they battled their way to the podium.
The Sarawak team, comprised of talented swimmers Chereen Ngo Yi Rui, Magdalene Lau Ing Siew, Shanise Jauwa Joseline Adong, and Kelly Teo Yao, put on a commendable performance. With a combined time of 8:52.19, the quartet demonstrated both speed and synergy, securing Sarawak’s place as a competitive force in the pool.
The race was fiercely contested, with the Selangor team ultimately taking gold. Selangor’s swimmers—Khew Zi Xian, Shannon Tan Yan Qing, Yoong Jia Jia, and Lim Shun Qi—delivered an exceptional performance, finishing with a time of 8:45.45. Penang’s team, consisting of Hooy Jia Yee, Yeoh Yun Xuan, Vivian Tee Xin Ling, and Yeap Mei Kuan, closely followed Sarawak, earning the bronze with a time of 8:54.86.
The atmosphere in the aquatic centre was electric, with spectators from across the nation on the edge of their seats, cheering on their respective teams. The Sarawak contingent, buoyed by the home crowd, showcased their determination from the start, pushing hard against their rivals in what turned out to be one of the most exciting races of the day.
The silver medal adds to Sarawak’s growing tally at SUKMA 2024. As the swimming events near their conclusion, Sarawak’s swimmers have already brought home an impressive haul of medals, reaffirming their status as one of the top competitors in the games.
With the final day of swimming events tomorrow, the Sarawak team is determined to continue their winning momentum. The swimmers will be competing for the remaining eight gold, eight silver, and eight bronze medals, with hopes of climbing further up the overall medal standings.
Currently, Selangor leads the swimming events with a dominating total of 12 gold, 17 silver, and six bronze medals. The Federal Territory follows closely with 12 gold, seven silver, and five bronze medals. Sarawak stands strong in third place, with seven gold, one silver, and six bronze medals, a testament to their hard work and dedication.
The journey of the Sarawak women’s relay team is a source of pride for the state, highlighting the talent and perseverance of its athletes. Their silver medal win is not just a victory in the pool but a symbol of the strength and unity that Sarawak athletes bring to the national stage.
As the SUKMA XXI Sarawak 2024 continues, the state’s sports community and supporters remain hopeful and energized, looking forward to more stellar performances and perhaps more medals in the final day of swimming events. The Sarawak team’s achievements so far have already made this edition of SUKMA a memorable one for the host state.