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***A new generation of swimmers strive to stay competitive in Southeast Asia.*** Captivating and demanding. Swimming encompasses a unique blend of athleticism, endurance and technical skill. As athletes glide through the water, strength and grace must be harmonised, utilising precise techniques to achieve maximum efficiency, mental resilience is that swimmers need to excel in both the pool and open water. Swimming competitions worldwide demonstrate the epitome of the human capacity for speed and endurance, making it a sport that continues to captivate and inspire athletes and spectators alike. As such, Brunei Darussalam has been steadily making strides in swimming, highlighted by the achievements of its athletes on the global stage, including prominent events such as the World Aquatics Championships and the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. Since the appointment of Wu Na as the head coach, the swimmers have been benefitting from her expertise, guidance, knowledge, and attention to detail. The national swim team recently saw the emergence of a new generation following the retirement of Muhammad Isa bin Ahmad and Christian Nikles, who had represented the country for years. The current head coach was also integral in helping Muhammad Isa and Christian achieve new personal bests at the twilight of their careers. Now, the country has ushered in young swimmers such as Hayley Wong Ann Yue, Zeke Chan Zhi Yue, Joel Ling Thai Yu, and Sharmeen binti Mohammad Mharvin. The new batch of swimmers have garnered success in the regional and international circuits with standout performances. Recently, at the 45th SEA Age Group Championships 2023, Zeke Chan bagged the silver medal in the 100metre (m) backstroke event after posting a time of 59.18s, setting a new national record. He also broke his previous mark of 59.61s set just a month before at the World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan last July. Earlier this month, Zeke has set a new national record at the 7th Commonwealth Youth Games (CYG) in Trinidad and Tobago with a time of 59.78s. The country is also seeing the continued progress of leading female swimmer Hayley Wong, who has dominated the national scene with numerous national records. The swimming sensation finally earned her first major overseas swim medal after clinching bronze in the 50m butterfly event by clocking a time of 29:42s. Since registering a new championship record at the Brunei Age Group (BAG) Swimming Championships, Wong has gone from strength to strength by making a mark in the international arena. This was evident in the CYG where she set three new national records in a space of two days. Having already gained representation in the World Aquatics Championships and the CYG, the country concluded its schedule at the 45th SEA Group Championships with one silver, one bronze, seven national records and 36 personal best times. The national team, comprising of Joel, Zeke, Hayley, and Sharmeen, also set a new national record in the mixed medley 4x100m relay event at CYG. Similarly, national swimmer Joel Ling caused a splash by winning the country’s first medal at the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) last year – a silver with in the men’s 200m backstroke event. These successes lend optimism to the future of Brunei’s swim team as to narrow the gap with their Southeast Asian counterparts. While keeping national records firmly in the mind. – Fadhil Yunus ![](https://media.everythingbrunei.com/public/bJo_2irYfErbO4ASu4xBt-NuVHGy-I-DgJFD1ayFFk6.jpeg) Brunei Darussalam National swimmer Zeke Chan in action. PHOTO: BDSA

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Urang macam awda pun kan meliat ani bah! ⤵︎

Brunei Swimmer Breaks Third National Record

Brunei Swimmers Smash National Records

Brunei Swimmer Zeke Chan Wins Silver, Sets National Record

Brunei Athletes Shine on Olympic Stage

Brunei Swimmers Aim for Glory at World & SEA Championships

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