KUALA LUMPUR: Swimmer Shannon Tan heads into next month’s Thailand SEA Games (Dec 9-20) brimming with confidence after shattering two national short-course records at the Singapore National Championships on Sunday — a breakthrough she says has given her the perfect boost ahead of Bangkok.
The 15-year-old, who will compete in four events in the Thai capital, opened her campaign with bronze in the 100m butterfly, clocking 1 minute 00.72 seconds to eclipse Yap Siew Hui’s 1:01.31 mark set at a World Cup meet in 2013.
She then powered to gold in the 200m butterfly, touching home in 2:13.89 to comfortably erase Siew Hui’s 2:16.71 record.
The back-to-back marks ended a 12-year drought in the discipline and underlined her status as one of Malaysia’s fastest-rising swimming prospects.
Short-course meets are contested in a 25-metre pool, compared with the Olympic-standard 50 metres.
Beijing-born Shannon said breaking the records was an “incredible feeling.”
“It’s amazing, knowing those records stood for 12 years makes it even more special,” she said when contacted.
“I feel honoured to be part of Malaysia’s swimming history, but also humbled because so many great swimmers came before me.
“This motivates me to keep pushing my limits and hopefully inspire younger swimmers to chase their own milestones.”
Shannon added that the results have strengthened her belief in her preparation for the SEA Games and her ability to perform under pressure.
“Smashing two national records has definitely pumped me up for the SEA Games,” she said.
“It shows I can handle pressure and compete with the best in Southeast Asia.
“Most of all, it gives me confidence that I can really help the team and represent Malaysia with pride.”
Shannon will compete in the 100m and 200m butterfly, the 400m individual medley, and the 4x200m freestyle relay in Bangkok.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
