Ex-Olympian tells of ‘toxic culture’ in Malaysian swimming

Rising to the occasion: Khiew Hoe Yean in action during the SEA Games men’s 400m freestyle final in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. He bagged the gold in the men’s 200m freestyle event.

PETALING JAYA: After the miserable showing by swimmers at the SEA Games – they came home with only one of the 39 gold medals on offer – former Olympian Marilyn Chua has revealed what she calls a “toxic and negative” team culture.

The environment within the national team needs to change if Malaysian swimmers are to perform at their best, said the Selangor state coach.

“Regrettably, many of my swimmers upon joining the national team recounted with tears how toxic and negative the team culture is,” said Marilyn yesterday.

“How can athletes perform their best when the environment they are in is not conducive for growth?

“I have attended numerous international competitions but have yet to witness the national team unite in a single cheer,” she claimed.

She also urged the Malaysia Swimming Federation (MS) to work with state associations rather than against them to help revive the sport.

“MS have a responsibility towards the state affiliates and state coaches who develop the talent pool that feeds the national team,” said Marilyn.

“Rather than accusing state coaches of impeding progress by prioritising their states (for the Sukma competition), MS and the national coach should engage in constructive dialogue and establish good relationships with us.

“As a state coach, I take offence to the notion that our interests are in conflict with the advancement of our swimmers. Which coach would not take pride in (seeing) their athletes succeed at the international level?”

Marilyn pointed out that Malaysian swimming has been in a downward spiral over the past two decades and highlighted a number of key areas that require urgent attention.

She said there was a need for effective leadership, inclusivity, fairness and transparency in the selection process. A positive environment was also needed for swimmers within the national team.

Marilyn said swimmers chosen to represent the country must not be treated differently if they continue training with their home states instead of in Bukit Jalil.

“Regrettably, these swimmers are victimised and excluded from international competitions just because they train outside the national team,” said Marilyn.

“Let us consider the approach taken by USA Swimming, which allows national swimmers to train at their preferred home base rather than centrally.”

Marilyn said MS should also provide adequate support for swimmers aged above 18 who have limited once they leave the school system.

“Swimmers will only reach their peak after 18, when they are physiologically and psychologically mature,” she said.