KUALA LUMPUR, April 25 — Competing against multiple Olympians and some of the best swimmers in the world in the United Kingdom has helped national swimmer Bryan Leong Xin Ren to raise his speed to face the upcoming SEA Games and world championships.
The 20-year-old, who missed out on the medals in his SEA Games debut in the 2019 Philippines edition and last year in Hanoi, said the podium is within reach this time although he will be up against regional greats in Phnom Penh from May 5 to May 17.
Leong, who holds the men’s 50m freestyle (23.09s) and 100m butterfly (53.32s) national records, will be competing in the 50m freestyle, 50m breaststroke, 50m butterfly, 100m butterfly and 4x100m medley in Phnom Penh.
“Training and competing in the UK has pushed me to raise my game and constantly strive for improvement. The high-pressure environment has also taught me how to manage my nerves and emotions and how to perform under challenging situations.
“Although winning a medal is a goal, my primary objective at the SEA Games is to deliver my best performance and achieve a personal best (PB). It is undeniable that the level of competition at the SEA Games is quite high, with many exceptional swimmers,” he told Bernama when contacted.
The undergraduate in neuroscience and psychology at the King’s College London also hopes to fare well on the global stage, as he has qualified for the 2023 World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan from July 23 to July 30.
The 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games semi-finalist in the 100m butterfly is eyeing to dip below 53 seconds in the event to improve on his own national record.
“Qualifying for the world championships is my biggest achievement to date, and I am looking forward to performing at my best on the global stage. I hope to achieve a new personal best and am looking forward to meeting and interacting with athletes from different countries and cultures,” Leong added.
Despite having to juggle between studies and preparations for the two upcoming events, he said he is coping well.
“I am working closely with my coaches to ensure that I am in the best possible shape, even during the exam period. What I miss the most (about home) is my family and loved ones and also the amazing weather. And food that I crave the most,” Leong said.
— Bernama
