End Games for Jinq En

KUALA LUMPUR: Swimmer Phee Jinq En (pic) will go for her last dance at the Thailand SEA Games in December.

The 27-year-old breaststroker will bid farewell to competitive swimming after her sixth SEA Games edition in Thailand, marking an end to an illustrious career highlighted by two Olympic outings in Rio de Janeiro (2016) and Tokyo (2021).

And for someone who has spent practically her teenage years mostly in the waters, it was not an easy decision to walk away from the sport.

Jinq En, who is under the Podium programme, added she has spoken to her coach Eric Anderson of her decision to retire by end of the year.

“I think it’s the right time for me to come to this decision. I have decided to do this as I have an idea of what I want to do after I stop competitive swimming.

“I will not renew my contract with the National Sports Council, which ends in December,” said the four-time SEA Games gold medallist.

Her absence will be a loss to Malaysian swimming as she is still producing competitive times in her 50m and 100m breaststroke events and will be a sure medal-getter when Malaysia host the next SEA Games in 2027.

Jinq En, who holds the national records for 50m and 100m breaststroke distances, however was candid about her thoughts on not extending her career for another two years.

“I would love to have the chance. I still love competing physically,” said the Selangor-born Jinq En, who won a second career SEA Games gold medal in the 100m breaststroke and took silver in the 50m breaststroke at the 2017 KL Games.

“I believe I can still push myself if I want to but let’s put it this way. I have a good memory of the KL Games and everything was just perfect and special for me. I just don’t want to ruin that memory.”

It was at the World Championships in Singapore in July when Jinq En posted a season best swim of 31.78s, which was not far off her national record of 31.40s set back when she took gold at the 2019 SEA Games in the Philippines.

And it was only recently at the National Long Course Championships in Bukit Jalil where Jinq En clocked 31.86s to win the 50m breaststroke event.

“That was my last local race. Nice that my sport requires goggles and no one saw me tear up a little during my race.

“It’s also a surprise to me that I could still post good times, especially in the 50m breaststroke, which is close to my national record.

“Maybe I’m now not as stressed out as before, so I’m definitely going to enjoy my last swim there (in Thailand),” said Jinq En, who has plans to dabble in sports broadcasting once she lays down her goggles.

She attended a broadcast training programme together with other Olympians earlier this year.

“I’ll give it a try to see if I like it or not. But otherwise, I will go into coaching. I have enough experience as a coach and I still really love swimming,” added Jinq En, who has already completed her Masters in communication studies.