KUALA LUMPUR, July 19 — Malaysian swimmers who have qualified for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in Brazil will undergo a 10-day training stint in Florida, United States since the time zone and weather in Brazil and Florida are similar.

Malaysian Olympic contingent chef-de-mission Tan Sri Al Amin Abdul Majid said Welson Sim and Phee Jinq En will be train in Florida for acclimatisation purposes.

"Apart from getting used to the weather condition and time, the Amateur Swimming Union of Malaysia (ASUM) have lined up special programme for the duo.  They can now focus on their training,” he told reporters after meeting the two swimmers who will be flying off to Florida tonight, at the National Sports Council complex, here today.

Welson Sim earned a slot for the Olympics on merit in the 200m and 400m Freestyle while Phee booked her berth in the women’s 100m breaststroke.

Both will be making their debut in the Olympics.

"I know there will be expectations for the duo to excel in the Olympics but I would like to urge them to not pressure themselves. What is important is for them to put up an excellent performance so that their training and preparations will not be wasted.

"Their participation in Brazil will serve as a good platform to gain experience and exposure for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo because this is only their first Olympics,” he said. — Bernama