KUCHING, Aug 25: The 20th Malaysia Games (Sukma) which will take place from Sept 16 to Sept 24, 2022, is only 22 days away, and current and former athletes from Lodge National Secondary School are gearing up to hit their personal Sukma goals.
According to a press release, Nicole Goh Zhi Wei, 19, who will compete in the high jump stated that she hopes to set a personal best of 1.60m.
Goh, who attended Lodge National Secondary School from 2007 to 2022, is known not only for her academic achievements, but also for her athletic abilities.
When asked how the school encouraged her to be involved in sports competitively, she said that the school provided the athletes equipment, recognised their accomplishments, and identified the athletes’ talents at a young age.
Her current coach is head of co-curricular activities at Lodge National Secondary School, Willie Liew, who is also a coach under Sarawak Sport Corporation’s (SSC) Centre of Excellence Athletics.
“Be consistent in training and don’t give up,” Goh advised junior athletes.
In the meantime, 18-year-old Emma Hill Yu Wei Ling will compete in sprinting at Sukma.
“My personal goal at Sukma would be to win gold or silver in the 100-metre hurdles, to place on the podium in the 100-metre dash, and to win gold in the 4×100-metre relay,” said Hill Yu who currently trains under Sarawak Sports Council elite coach Noraseela Khaled.
Hill Yu, who attended Lodge National Secondary School from 2008 to 2021, said that the school recognises the athletic achievements of its students.
“Don’t give up too easily. Doing sports comes with a lot of ups and downs,” she remarked when asked for advice on how junior athletes could excel in sports.
Meanwhile, Daryl Boon Yang, 19, who will compete in swimming in Sukma, stated that he hopes to win bronze.
Boon who was a student from 2019-2020 at Lodge National Secondary School said the school provided athletes with flexibility when training times clashed with schooling hours.
He encouraged new or junior athletes who want to excel to believe in themselves and to be confident.
Boon’s current coaches are Dieung and Raymond under Sarawak Sports Council.
Audrey Vanessa Chee Wan Tai, age 18, is another athlete from Lodge National Secondary School who will compete in badminton (Women’s Doubles) at Sukma has her eye on reaching the quarterfinals.
As a Lodge National Secondary School student from 2011 to 2022, she noted that the school’s clubs helped her develop an interest in sports.
Chee’s current coach is Chong Cheong Yong of CCY Badminton Club.
“Stay focused on your goals and never take failures as a reason to quit or give up,” she advised junior athletes.
Meanwhile, chairman of Lodge Group of Schools Association Allister Smith remarked: “We are really proud of the students’ achievement in their chosen sport whilst also completing their studies is no small feat.
“The two years of the Covid-19 pandemic has not been easy for the athletes and we commend their efforts in keeping their training going.
“Lodge School will continue to support its students in both their academic and sporting pursuits.”
Smith revealed that future plans are in the works to promote sports in the school through the various sports clubs, which will help the school identify students who have the potential to participate in future Sukma events.
Concurrently, Liew remarked: “Sincere thanks to the school board of Lodge Group of Schools for supporting sports and games in a variety of ways, including facilities, equipment, and awards.
“Besides being known for academic excellence, Lodge administration recognises students’ achievements in sports through sports and games awards yearly.
“We monitor closely their progress especially during the pandemic to support them mentally.”
He also noted that study hours at Lodge National Secondary School are very long, from 7.30am to 4pm.
“To become an elite young athlete (18-19 years old) who qualifies for Sukma, as a teacher as well as coach, I really respect their determination as they need to compete with those older than them who are 23 years and below in the 2022 Sukma,” Liew added. — DayakDaily
