CHUI Lai Kwan quit the national team three years ago after a fall out with the Amateur Swimming Union of Malaysia (ASUM).
However, the setback did not deter the 24-year-old from making her mark in domestic competitions.
This, however, would not have been possible had the Sabah-born not met former Olympian Marilyn Chua two years ago.
“Marilyn is my saviour. She offered to coach me and without hesitation, I accepted,” said Lai Kwan. “I have improved as her training programme suits me. As a former freestyle swimmer, she helps me work on my weaknesses.”
Under Marilyn, the swimmer surpassed the women’s 50m freestyle qualifying mark of last year’s World Championships but was overlooked by ASUM.
Undeterred, Lai Kwan, a national record holder in three events, continued to make an impression in the pool and was subsequently included in the team for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
In Glasgow, she clocked 26.00 seconds in the 50m freestyle to improve on the previous mark of 26.02, which she had set at the 2011 University Games.
Lai Kwan’s achievement has also earned her a spot in the eight-member team for next month’s Asian Games in Incheon. It will be her second Asian Games outing.
“Quitting the national team did not deter me from performing, although I nearly quit the sport two years ago.
“I had lost my sense of direction as before meeting Marilyn, I felt I was not going any where after quitting the team. It was tough without guidance,” said the former Sea Games gold medallist.
Lai Kwan’s next goal is to qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games.
“I have represented the country in all major competitions, except for the Olympics.
“At 24, there are not many years left in my swimming career and I have made qualifying for the 2016 Olympics my ultimate goal.”