'Bryan's resignation won't affect national programmes'

KUALA LUMPUR: The departure of diving technical director Bryan Nickson Lomas will not drastically affect the national programmes, said Malaysia Aquatics (MAS) secretary general Andy Low.

On Wednesday, Timesport reported that three-time Olympian Bryan had resigned from his post to take up a coaching job abroad.

Since joining MAS in October, 2023, one of Bryan's main tasks was to revive state diving programme across Malaysia, many of which had become dormant over the past decade.

However, with the Sarawakian now leaving MAS, questions have arisen over whether the state programme would be affected.

"Bryan's leaving will have no significant impact on the plans already made. Whatever we have put on paper by Bryan and our team is still there," said Andy today.

"We will ensure everything that has been planned will continue to run, and when Bryan's replacement comes in, it (the programme) can be improved if necessary."

Andy added that Bryan's replacement is due to start work later this month.

Another grassroots initiative that Bryan implemented was the Fast Track programme, which offers talented athletes under the age of 11 full-time training in Bukit Jalil.

Previously, the Fast Track programme was stalled due to not finding a suitable warden to supervise the young divers at the national training centre.

However, Andy said that the issue had been resolved, and the programme was revived last month.