PHNOM PENH, June 7 — The country’s young Para swimmer Lee Kher Zy splashed his way to the men’s 200m individual medley gold in the (SM5 — Physical Disability) category final en route to setting a new games record in the 2023 Asean Para Games (APG) at the Morodok Stadium Techo Aquatic Centre but the teenager was not satisfied with his performance.
The 16-year-old, popularly known as “Zy”, had targeted to clock at least 3 minutes 28 seconds, a time he had set in Italy last month, but despite defending the gold medal he had won in the previous APG, he could only manage to clock 3:32.57s in a rather slow race.
“I know I can perform better than the time I had clocked today. I must therefore quickly resume training after the APG. My target is to work hard and produce consistent results to make the country proud.
“Since I had recorded a time of 3:28s, today’s 3:32s is well off my personal best, maybe I was slow in one of the routine. I will certainly try to improve my personal best in the coming events,” said Zy who had won the gold medal at the APG hosted by Indonesia in Solo.
Though Zy was not happy with his performance or time set in the final, the 3:32.57s was good enough to erase the previous APG record of 3:35.06s held by Vietnam’s, Vo Thanh Tung since the 2015 APG.
Thanh Tung who was also in the race, managed only a third placing today with a time of 3:36.17s.
The silver medal went to Indonesian Mulyadi Mulyadi (3:32.72s).
“I wish to thank my family, friends, colleagues and coaches for their continuous support. What I had achieved today will ensure my career in the swimming arena will continue to improve and remain at the optimum level.
“There wasn’t any pressure from anyone. I myself set a lofty target to achieve,” he said.
The student from SMJK Chung Ling, Butterworth, Penang had won his first gold medal in the 2023 APG held in Cambodia, through the men’s 200m Freestyle on Monday. — Bernama
