Xin Lin will take it easy and learn as much as possible in Cambodia

PETALING JAYA: Debutant Chong Xin Lin (pic) will not put undue pressure on herself in the Cambodia SEA Games as she intends to enter the pool with a learning mindset.

The 15-year-old will feature in the women’s 50m, 100m and 200m backstroke events and will join Phee Jinq En, Loo Yie Bing and Lim Shun Qi in the 4x100m medley relay in Phnom Penh from May 5-17.

Xin Lin has been having mixed feelings since making the grade for the SEA Games.

“I’m very nervous because this is my first major event but my preparation is good,” said Xin Lin. “I’m constantly showing progress, but the nerves have been there since I was selected into the team.

“It would be ideal if I can achieve better timings in all my backstroke events but my main goal is to gain experience, so that I can perform better in my next outing.”

Xin Lin enjoys being the youngest member in the women’s team that comprise Jinq En, Tan Ruoxin, Yie Bing, Hooy Jia Yee, Shun Qi, Kelly Teo Yao and Ong Yong Qi.

“It’s nice to be the youngest member. My seniors have been looking after me, guiding me and giving me useful advice,” said Xin Lin.

In the recently concluded National Age-Group Swimming Championships, Xin Lin bagged golds in 50m butterfly, 4x100m freestyle and medley relays; silvers in 50m and 100m backstroke; and one bronze in the 50m freestyle. Despite breaking the meet’s record in the 50m, 100m backstroke events and 4x100m freestyle, Xin Lin was not satisfied with her performance.

“My overall performance is okay but I didn’t achieve the timings that I wanted or improved my personal bests,” said Xin Lin.

“But it’s okay because I’m currently preparing for the Games, so I will focus on improving my stamina and strength in the next two weeks.”