KUCHING, Feb 11: Two-time Olympian Welson Sim from Kuching has quit the national swimming team, allegedly over a disagreement with his coach Chris Martin.
According to a report by an English daily, the 24-year-old Sarawakian has tendered his resignation to National Sports Council (NSC) and Malaysia Swimming (MS) on Feb 7.
Despite that, Welson has confirmed that he would continue as an independent athlete.
It was not elaborated nor confirmed why Welson quit, but MS secretary Mae Chen said Welson would pursue a different approach to get himself back to the level he was once at.
Welson is a three-time SEA Games gold medallist and is retained in the national training programme with Philippines SEA Games double gold medallists Phee Jinq En, Khiew Hoe Yean, and Arvin Singh Chalah.
With Vietnam SEA Games scheduled from May 12 to 23 this year, Chen said Welson should still qualify, but he would need to fund his own expenses.
Welson’s departure is the second case of a national athlete going independent this year after badminton player Lee Zii Jia.
The 23-year-old said his resignation was due to his inability to cope with the pressure thrust upon him as the nation’s top shuttler. — DayakDaily
