Swimming Clubs put on a spectacular display at the SportExcel Grand Final
The SportExcel/MILO/NSC/MAS Swimming Circuit – Grand Final 2024 was held on October 11-13 at the National Aquatic Centre in Bukit Jalil. The 3-day swimming championship which was the concluding part of 3 Leg series for young swimmers drew participation from over 30 swimming clubs all over Malaysia. As always, the Grand Finale showcased an impressive display of talent, determination, and athleticism, with swimmers from various age groups competing fiercely for the top honours.
A total of 117 talented and enthusiastic swimmers from DSA and DSAS Swimming Clubs were eligible to participate based on their performances in the previous 2 Legs of the Circuit held earlier in the year.
DSA Swimming Club finished as Runner-Ups at this Meet and the total medal count for DSA Clubs stood at 60 which included 19 Golds and the additional win of 14 new Meet Records by the spectacular performance of the swimmers from both clubs.
Among the swimmers who left an impressive mark were Olivia Seow Cui Ying and Vitus So Teng Hoe who was declared Best Boy of the Group 2 Category. Vitus, in the Boys 14-15 years category, set 4 Meet Records, firmly establishing himself as one of the top young swimmers in the competition. Olivia was equally exceptional, competing in the Girls 12-13 years category, created a staggering 3 Meet Records, demonstrating her dominance in the pool at such a young age.
Additionally, Cham Yu Xiang delivered a stellar performance in the Boys 16-18 years group, where he broke 3 Meet Records in all three Breaststroke events. His technique and speed were unmatched in these categories, cementing his reputation as a force to be reckoned with in breaststroke. Another notable record-breaking performance came from Evan Chua Min Hao, who set a new benchmark in the Boys Individual Medley, Kang Zhen Tai and Ong Zhi Kheam also broke a Meet Record in the Boys Breaststroke rounding off the list of record-breakers in their respective Groups. Kaelyn Chee Wei Yi was another Record breaker in her Freestyle event, bringing the total number of new records to 14 by the DSA swimmers.
Apart from the record-breaking swims, several competitors secured multiple podium finishes. Ashley Soh Wern Yi was one of the stars with a smashing count of 3 Golds, while Samuel Koek Gelacio, Kaelyn Chee Wei Yi and Charmaine Hung Yun Wen were equally impressive in their respective races with one Gold and multiple other medals each adding to the team tally. Sara Sophia Peeters added one more Gold in the Senior Girls age group with Backstroke win.
The younger age groups also had their share of talent on display with Hew Bo Yu, Evita Tan Ee Lin, Yap Inn Xuan, Muhammad Haziq Hariz Hazli, Joelle Koo Yu Qing, Pok Sin Yee and Yap Ke Hui had podium finishes to their credit.
In the older age group, Ryan Ee Tian Aymes, Ng Yean Yu, Emir Danish, Jayden Yap Ee Jen and Yap Yong Jie stood out for their solid performances in the Boys 16-18 years group, all securing podium finishes. Meanwhile, in the Girls 16-18 years category, Chong En Ci and Jamie Chee Zhia Xin made their mark with Silver wins, while Marcus Chong Yung Fatt brought home a Bronze in the Boys 19-30 years 100 Meter Freestyle event.