By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Aug 23: Sarawak star swimmer Kelly Teo Yao captured her sixth individual gold medal in front of an ecstatic crowd at the 21st Malaysia Games (Sukma) 2024 today.
Teo’s exceptional performance in the women’s 1500-metre freestyle, where she clocked 17:56.21, not only earned her the top podium spot but also marked Sarawak’s 70th gold medal, fulfilling the State’s gold target.
Teo, who is poised to become one of Sarawak’s most celebrated female athletes, is expected to receive over RM90,000 in incentives for her remarkable achievements.
In the 1500-metre event, she outpaced Sabah’s Chu Xin Ying, who secured silver with a time of 18:10.61, and Penang’s Yeoh Yun Xuan, who took bronze with 18:19.76.
On the final day of swimming at the Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre, Teo also added a bronze medal to her tally in the women’s 100-metre backstroke, finishing with a time of 1:07.38.
The gold in that event was claimed by Federal Territory’s Chong Xin Lin (1:04:06), while Penang’s Vivian Xin Ling Tee took silver (1:06:85).
Teo’s five other gold medals were earned in the women’s 200-metre freestyle, 400-metre individual medley, 200-metre backstroke, 800-metre freestyle, and 400-metre freestyle.
Reflecting on her accomplishments, Teo said, “I am very happy with this Sukma’s achievement. This is my second outing, and I performed much better than my previous Sukma, where I won two golds and one silver.”
She plans to use part of her incentive to purchase a car, treat her teammates and friends, and save for her education.
Teo attributes her success to the unwavering support of her father, Teo Ah Hua, who has coached her since she was four-years-old.
The fourth of five sisters — all swimmers — Teo began competing in primary school events by the age of six while still in kindergarten.
Her talent was quickly recognised, and she was selected for the national swimming squad at just 12-years-old.
Currently, she trains in Kuala Lumpur and has yet to pursue higher education.
“I dedicate this achievement to my parents,” Teo shared, with her parents expressing immense pride and joy over her success.
Known for her independence, Teo often travels to competitions without the accompaniment of her parents since young, a trait they admire in her.
When asked about the secret to her success, Teo emphasised the importance of hard work and rigorous training.
Looking ahead, she is preparing for her next tournament in Thailand this December.
Meanwhile, Teo’s teammate Hii Puong Wei also made a significant contribution to Sarawak’s medal haul, securing a gold medal in the men’s 100-metre backstroke with a time of 57.87.
Selangor’s Teoh Kar Chuan took silver (59.06), and David Lee Boon Wei of Sarawak claimed bronze (59.75).
The Sarawak swimming team concluded their Sukma 2024 campaign with a total of nine gold, one silver, and seven bronze medals, placing them third overall in the swimming competition.
The Federal Territory emerged as the overall champions with 16 gold, eight silver, and seven bronze medals, while Selangor finished in second place with 13 gold, 19 silver, and seven bronze.
Sarawak’s other gold medals were delivered by Hii in the men’s 200-metre and 100-metre backstroke, and Jeff Chua Yu Yang in the men’s 50-metre backstroke. The women’s 4×200-metre freestyle relay team, consisting of Chereen Ngo Yi Rui, Magdeline Lau Ing Siew, Shanise Jauwa Joseline Adong, and Kelly Teo, contributed a silver medal to the tally.
Bronze medals were secured in the women’s 200-metre freestyle (Chereen Ngo), women’s 200-metre backstroke (Shanise Jauwa Joseline Adong), women’s 200-metre individual medley (Chereen Ngo), mixed 4×100-metre medley relay (Jeff Chua, Hii Puong Wei, Magdeline Lau, and Kelly Teo), men’s 50-metre breaststroke (Hector Ho Rze Jun), women’s 200-metre butterfly (Kayleigh Ang Zhi Xuan), and women’s 100-metre backstroke (Kelly Teo). — DayakDaily
