Malaysia’s Tan Rouxin (left) dives with other competitors at the start of the women’s 50 m breaststroke final at the 32nd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in Phnom Penh on May 6, 2023. (Photo by TANG CHHIN SOTHY / AFP)
A former Olympic athlete says there is a “toxic and negative” team culture in swimming in Malaysia, following a poor performance at the Southeast Asian Games.
Marilyn Chua, who competed at the 2000 Olympics, spoke out ahead of this year’s Asian Games in China.
Now a Selangor State coach, Chua is quoted by the Sunday’s Star as saying: “Unfortunately, many of my swimmers who joined the national team tearfully recounted the unique team culture when they joined the national team. harmful and negative.
“How can athletes perform at their best when the environment they are in is not conducive to growth?” she added.
At this month’s SEA Games in Phnom Penh, Malaysia won just one out of 39 gold medals.
Chua said the national swimming team lacks unity, leadership, fairness and transparency in the selection process.
She says the team has been in a downward spiral over the past two decades.
She suggested changes beyond the pool, including more effective leadership, and called on the national swimming federation to work with state associations.
“I have attended many international competitions but have never seen the national team unite in one cheer,” she said.
AFP has approached Malaysia Swimming for comment.
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