Malaysian sailor qualifies on merit for fourth Olympics

PETALING JAYA: Khairulnizam Mohd Afendy has made history for Malaysian sailing after qualifying on merit for his fourth Olympics in Paris.

The 30-year-old Kedah-born sailor placed third at the end of 10 races with 63 net points in the ICLA7 class in the ongoing Last Chance Regatta in Hyeres, France on Thursday (April 25).

Asian Games champion Ha Jee-min of South Korea also earned a fourth Olympic appearance after tying for the first spot with Estonia's Karl-Martin Rammo on 63 net points.

There is still the medal race to go for the top 10 finishers but Khairulnizam is assured of securing one of the last four remaining spots at stake for ICLA7 class (formerly Laser class) in the Olympics in Paris from July 26-Aug 11.

The regatta, formally known as the Semaine Olympique Francaise, was the last qualifying event for sailing.

Khairulnizam will be the second Malaysian representative for sailing in Paris alongside Nur Shazrin Mohd Latif (ICLA6) and also the second Malaysian sailor to compete in four Olympics.

Dr Kevin Lim competed in four straight Olympics in the Laser category from 1996 to 2008.

Malaysia officially now has 10 athletes who have officially secured their slots for Paris with eight more from badminton set to be added to the list after the qualifying campaign concludes on April 28.

The athletes who are confirmed so far are Bertrand Rhodict (diving), Nur Shazrin Mohd Latif (sailing), Johnathan Wong (shooting), Ariana Nur Dania Mohd Zairi (archery), Aniq Kasdan (weightlifting), Nur Aisyah Mohd Zubir (road cycling), Azizulhasni Awang (track cycling), Mohd Shah Firdaus Sahrom (track cycling) and Nurul Izzah Izzati Mohd Asri (track cycling).