Allen pools resources with younger swimmers to run swim academy

(from left) Celeste Beh, Allen Ong, Chan Jun Jian and Terence Ng came together to set up AeroSplash Swim Academy.

PETALING JAYA: The pool never stays out of the sight of a swimmer. That goes as well for two-time Olympian Allen Ong (pic), who has kept in touch with the sport despite hanging up his swimming trunks almost two decades ago.

Allen was once the undisputed king of the freestyle sprint events - 50m and 100m - in the nation and a former SEA Games gold medallist in the 100m.

Perak-born Allen, whose sister is also former national swimmer Cindy Ong, has continue to dedicate himself to the sport but the focus is now on managing a swimming academy.

The 46-year-old is the founder of AeroSplash Swim Academy, which is located in Jalan Ipoh and started operating this month.

It’s not just Allen running the show but he also has co-partners in swimmers Terence Ng, Chan Jun Jian and triathlete Celeste Beh.

Terence is the 2023 Cambodia SEA Games silver medallist and is bound for the Thailand SEA Games next month while Jun Jian is a former Malaysia Games medal winner.

Allen said getting the younger set of swimmers to help run a swim academy will help show there is an alternative to focus on besides coaching after their competitive days are over.

“It is learning and managing a business. These are new skillsets we can start to learn other than knowing how to swim,” said Allen, who was also the former national team assistant coach from 2008-2009.

“I want to get the younger generation to come into this business. We can always learn from one another.

“I have been coaching all this while after I retired from competitive swimming almost 20 years ago.

“I have acquired all the necessary qualifications to run a swim academy and I think I’m game for a new challenge.

“Inside the premises is a heated indoor 25m pool and we have certified coaches guiding learners as young as babies to adults.

“We also plan to have slots for public walk-in to use the pool as long as they made appointments with us.

“We have learn-to-swim classes, life saving course and also stroke correction lessons.”