KUCHING: Thirteen-year-old Sheamus Chew Heng Yi claimed bronze in the men’s 400m individual medley, making his mark against more experienced competitors at the Borneo Games Kuching 2025.
The young Sarawak swimmer finished behind national star Hii Puong Wei, who took gold, and East Kalimantan’s Rama Vardana Priyandono, who claimed silver.
Speaking to Sarawak Tribune after his race, Sheamus admitted he felt nervous competing against older, more experienced swimmers.
“I feel very nervous, it’s my first time competing with the big ones. In my mind, I just dive and do my best, and that’s all,” he said.
Determined to push himself through the 400m IM, Sheamus said at the Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre on Thursday (Sept 25) that he was extremely exhausted.
“I was really tired, but I wanted to keep fighting stronger. The best way to improve is to sleep well, eat properly, train hard, and don’t forget to study,” he said.
Despite his young age, Sheamus has a growing list of achievements. At the 47th SEA Age Group Championships in June, he took gold in the 100m freestyle, silver in the 50m butterfly and 200m IM, and bronze in the 100m backstroke and 4×200m freestyle relay.
His performance at the Borneo Games Kuching continues to cement his reputation as one of Sarawak’s brightest young prospects in the pool, hinting at a promising future in competitive swimming.
