Khoo Cai Lin’s name is synonymous with anyone who closely follows the Malaysian Aquatic scene. I kid you not, she’s one of the best swimmers Malaysia has ever produced; which probably explains the fact that she was even crowned the Malaysian Olympian of the Year back in 2007. It may have been some time back, but it doesn’t refute the fact that Cai Lin has contributed a significant portion of time towards making Malaysia proud on the international scene. Besides representing Malaysia in two Olympic Games, in 2012 and 2008, Cai Lin has also contested under the national colours in various other events like the Commonwealth Games as well as the Asian Games. FourthOfficial.com caught up with her for a quick chat on her aims and aspirations for the new year.
FO: You are recognized as one of the finest swimmers Malaysia has ever produced, and that is due in no small part to your decent displays in international competitions over the past few years. What has it been like to compete in the name of the country?
KCL: It has been an amazing journey for me. I’ve been in the national team since 2003 and I don’t regret taking up swimming seriously. Of course, there are a lot of ups and downs in competing and representing the country but that is just part of life.
FO: Which was your toughest experience throughout 2014, as far as international competitions are concerned?
KCL: My toughest experience last year was during the Incheon Asian Games. I didn’t do as well as expected and that was a huge disappointment for me.
FO: You secured three gold medals for Malaysia during the ASEAN University Games, and was regarded by many as the only Malaysian swimmer who performed admirably in the competition. Were you happy with your performance?
KCL: I even won one of them in record time. I was actually targeting to get more gold medal but the competition this time around was a lot tougher than previous few ASEAN University Games that I’ve participated in.
FO: Some fans believe that you are past your glory days, that once saw you voted as Malaysia’s Olympian of the Year back in 2007. Do you think that’s the case, or do you believe that you’re capable of achieving much more this year?
KCL: I definitely feel like I can achieve more this year especially leading up to Rio Olympics next year.
FO: Do you think the National Sports Council is doing enough to nurture and develop young swimming talents within the country. If no, what do you think needs to be done to improve the current situation?
KCL: In my opinion, the most important process of nurturing younger athletes should come from the states. They should have good programs to develop younger athletes and when the time comes, or when they are good enough to be part of the national team, let the athletes grow even further. From my experience and general observation, a lot of all these states are holding their athletes back because they want to ‘keep’ them for SUKMA.
FO: Swimming has been playing second fiddle to diving in the national aquatic scene over the past few years. Why do you think this is the case?
KCL: If you look a the bigger picture, there are a lot more swimmers around the world compared to divers. This makes the competition a lot harder. Even at SEA Games level, there are more swimmers compared to divers.
FO: You’ve contested in two Olympic Games for Malaysia thus far. Do you intend to stay in contention for the 2016 edition?
KCL: Yes, I’m definitely aiming to qualify for the Rio Olympics.
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