The Star Online: Matter of priority

KUALA LUMPUR: The chase for gold takes precedence and swimmer Welson Sim will have to focus on his pet events to help the Amateur Swimming Union of Malaysia (Asum) fulfil their eight-gold target at the Philippines SEA Games.

Welson and woman breaststroker Phee Jinq En, who did not enjoy a good outing at the recent World Aquatics Championships in Gwangju, South Korea, are still Malaysia’s only hopes at the biennial Games.

He will take part in the 100m, 200m and 400m freestyles.

Jinq En is a gold-medal prospect in the 50m and 100m breaststrokes while Welson will be out to defend his 200m and 400m freestyle titles.

Diving is likely to pitch in with a clean sweep of all four golds at stake.

Diving will see a drastic reduction with nine events dropped from the roster in the Philippines.

Malaysia’s chef-de-mission for the Games, Datuk Megat Zulkarnain Omardin is optimistic the swimmers can achieve the target despite the tough opposition from Singapore and Vietnam.

Welson will face a strong threat from Vietnam teenager Nguyen Huy Hoang in the 400m freestyle. The 19-year-old has already qualified for the Olympics in the 800m freestyle in Gwangju and is the reigning Youth Olympics champion.

Nguyen also took silver behind Chinese superstar Sun Yang in the 1, 500m freestyle at the Indonesian Asian Games last year.

Swimming coach Chris Martin acknowledged that it is better for Welson to focus on his main events so that he can be in peak condition to get the gold.

“Five (events) is the best numerical chance for Welson but we have to cut it down to three since they (Asum) want the gold medals. If you say something (the gold target), you’ve got to back it up, ” said the American.

“It (the target) was set before I got here and it’s not in the bag by any stretch of the imagination.”

Asked whether Welson may return to Melbourne to prepare for the Games, Martin said he will leave it to the swimmer to decide.

“If he thinks the six-month stint is beneficial and wants to be there, we will support him 100%, whatever it takes for him to go fast.”

The 2013 SEA Games in Myanmar was the last time Malaysian swimmers raked in four golds.