KUCHING: Sarawak’s young swimmers are showing that success is not just measured in medals, but also in teamwork, discipline, and shared commitment – values that reflect the spirit of Sarawak Day.
Training together daily at the Sarawak State Youth and Sports Complex, the swimmers range from as young as seven to fifteen years old.
While their sessions focus on sharpening individual skills, they also build a strong foundation of camaraderie through shared routines and collective goals.
Sarawak Tribune recently visited the training ground to speak with the coaches shaping this new generation of athletes.
Coach Selina Sim, who trains swimmers aged seven to thirteen, said her students are not only eager to learn but also show a deepening appreciation for collaboration.
“They’re very receptive and really learning the importance of teamwork. We train from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Tuesday to Saturday,” she said.
Coach Frederick Hermoso, originally from the Philippines, works with swimmers as young as ten years old.
He noted that coaching youth requires more than just technical input.
“It’s more challenging than high-performance coaching because you’re guiding them through a key developmental stage. But I enjoy being in Kuching 100 per cent. Coach Voon really takes care of me here,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Coach Derron Chong, who works with swimmers aged ten to fifteen, highlighted the importance of team discipline and accountability.
“They do quarrel sometimes, especially before moving up to the next training group. But I always remind them – if one person misbehaves, the whole team is accountable. We rise together,” he said.
He added that the ultimate goal is not only to mould better athletes, but also to nurture supportive teammates who grow together.
With coaches focused on both performance and personal growth, Sarawak’s swimming community continues to thrive – one stroke, one team, at a time.
