KUALA LUMPUR: Olympian Marilyn Chua believes systemic changes in Malaysian swimming could see more athletes competing for medals at the Sea Games and other major championships.
Marilyn, who was elected vice-president of Malaysia Aquatics (MAS) in 2023, said she took on the role to address the declining state of swimming in the country.
At the 2023 Phnom Penh Sea Games, Malaysia won only one gold medal in swimming, a sharp drop from the nine titles claimed at the 2009 Vientiane edition.
Marilyn noted that systemic reform would not yield immediate results but stressed that efforts to reverse the decline had already begun.
"We have technical director Megan Oesting and head coach Eric Anderson working to change the fortunes of swimming," said Marilyn.
"We are also expanding the team with the addition of Magnus Andersen.
"Eric and Megan have a clear vision for where they want to take Malaysian swimming.
"Megan is very data-driven and employs a scientific approach. Everything is objective and backed by measurable numbers.
"In terms of administration, MAS is working to clean up processes, particularly the qualifying criteria for competitions.
"We want concise, detailed, and transparent benchmarks that clearly inform swimmers what is required to qualify for national representation.
"Swimming is a timing-based sport, so qualification standards must be obvious and clear. We have worked hard to set that up.
"Efforts are also underway to expand the talent pool by including more athletes in the Podium and back-up programmes.
Marilyn revealed that MAS would now provide opportunities for swimmers outside the national team who meet qualifying criteria to compete internationally.
"Previously, we had swimmers faster than those in the national programme who weren't allowed to participate in international meets," she said.
"If someone is faster, why shouldn't we send them, even if they're not in the national team?
"If you meet the standards, we'll create opportunities for you to represent the nation."
Looking ahead, Marilyn hopes the national swimmers will produce an improved performance at the Thailand Sea Games in December.
"Everything is geared towards having swimmers peak at the Sea Games," she said.
"Change can't happen overnight or even in three years. Systemic reform takes time, especially when we haven't developed the next batch of swimmers.
"For now, we're still relying on those who competed in the last Sea Games, as the next generation has yet to emerge."
Signs of progress are evident, with young talents like Andrew Goh, Dhuha Zulfikry, Tan Rouxin and Isabelle Chiyi Buckley emerging as future stars who could bring glory to Malaysia.