Welson splashes into 400m final in Gold Coast

n good condition: Welson Sim will be aiming to make the final of the 400m freestyle at the Optus Aquatic Centre today.

GOLD COAST: Welson Sim ended Malaysia’s long absence in the pools by making the final of the men’s 400m freestyle event.

The 21-year-old splashed his way to a fourth place finish in his heat with a time of 3:51.78 at the Optus Aquatic Centre on Thursday.

It was certainly not his best timing as it was way off his personal best and national record time of 3:49.48.

But it was just enough for the Sarawakian to squeeze into the final as he was the eighth fastest swimmer.

Australia’s Olympic gold medallist Mack Horton qualified fastest with a time of 3:47.93 while Wales’ Daniel Jervis was second on 3:48.18.

It is still an achievement for Welson as he is the first Malaysian swimmer in 12 years to make the final at Commonwealth Games.

Alex Lim Keng Liat was the last swimmer to make the final when he made swam in the 50m backstroke event at the 2006 Melbourne Games.

“I think a 3:51 timing in the morning session and to finish fourth in my heats is not too bad,” said a relieved Welson.

“It’s actually quite a dangerous placing and I knew I was just hanging in there but I’m glad to make the final.”

Welson, whose best achievement was winning the Mare Nostrum Tour in Monte Carlo, Monaco last year, will return for the final in the evening session.