No exemption from training even as Jayden skips first leg of World Cup due to exams

PETALING JAYA: Swimmer Jayden Tan (pic) has to give up on the Shanghai leg of the World Cup next week due to his study commitments but he is still training diligently.

The 20-year-old is not participating in the opening leg of the series as it clashes with his course exams but still maintains the daily training sessions at the National Aquatic Centre in Bukit Jalil.

He is preparing for the Singapore leg of the series instead from Oct 31-Nov 2.

The series comprises four short course meets – Shanghai (Oct 18-20), Incheon (Oct 24-26), Hong Kong (Oct 26-27) and Singapore (Oct 31-Nov 2).

The race takes place in a 25m pool and the Malaysia Swimming Federation will send qualified swimmers to take part in the Shanghai and Singapore legs.

Paris Olympians Khiew Hoe Yean and Tan Rou Xin are among the national swimmers taking part along with Bryan Leong, Arvin Shaun Singh, Lim Yin Chuen, Terence Ng, Low Zheng Yong, Welson Sim, Chan Jie, Mohd Dhuha Zulfikry, Hii Puong Wei, Chui Lai Kwan, Chong Xin Lin and Phee Jinq En.

“Unfortunately, I can’t commit to the first leg in Shanghai because of my exams but I will go for the final stop in Singapore,” said Jayden.

“It’s the end of the year and training still continues for us as we are currently on the short course programme.

“I still train full sessions so it’s a matter of juggling between my training and preparing for my final pre-university exam papers.

“I have my own targets to hopefully break the national records in my events - 200m and 400m individual medley and also 400m freestyle.

“Many top swimmers are swimming as well and it will really be a huge achievement if we can make it past the heats,” said the aspiring dental student.

The Cambodia SEA Games double bronze medallist splashed to three gold medals and set two meet records for Federal Territories in the Malaysia Games (Sukma) in Sarawak in August.

“For me, short course training is an opportunity for us to work on our turns and underwater strokes,” he said.

“Long course training is still the priority as the main competitions like SEA Games and Asian Games are in a 50m pool although it’s always short course meets at this time of the year.”

Current world record holders Thomas Ceccon of Italy, Leon Marchand of France, Kaylee Mckeown of Australia and Pan Zhangle of China are among the Olympic champions racing in the series this year.