SWIMMING: Ian raises the Barr

MEMORABLE: The 17 year old overcomes pain barrier to rewrite national record

Federal Territories’ Ian James Barr clocked two minutes 5.82 seconds to win the 200m individual medley yesterday. Pic by Afif Abd Halim

THE loudest cheers at the Wisma Belia Aquatic complex yesterday were reserved for the Federal Territories' Ian James Barr as he powered his way through the pain barrier to win the men's 200m individual medley gold, at the same time slicing more than a second off the current national record.

Ian clocked two minutes 5.82 seconds to better the previous national record of 2:06.98s which he himself had set at last year's Indonesia Sea Games.

In second place was Johor's Tia Fang Der (2:13.68s) while bronze went to Selangor's Teh Wei Pin 2:13.96s.

The 17-year-old said the victory was the most memorable of his career as he had not been training as hard as he usually would due to an injured shoulder.

"I am really happy as I had in no way expected to win, not to mention break the (national) record," said the Methodist Boys School student.

"I injured my shoulder due to overuse at the Southeast Asian Swimming championships (in Singapore) three weeks ago and have only been able to train my lower body since them.

"I feel my shoulder is only at 85 per cent and was really hurting in the race but somehow, I managed to do so well.

"This is definitely the most memorable race of my career so far."

Ian, who on Sunday had broken the meet record on his way to winning the 50m backstroke event, said the Malaysia Games will be his last tournament until he finishes his Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examinations at the end of the year.

"I will be concentrating on my exams after this and won't swim until after the exams.

"I want to do well and hopefully be able to further my studies abroad as I hope to be able to train overseas to improve myself."

Selangor won the most medals in yesterday's proceedings, bagging four of eight gold medals on offer with FT, Johor, Penang and Sarawak all winning one gold medal each.

Article by New Street Time Tuesday 10-07-2012

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Siow Yi Ting strikes an enchanting pose though she is undeniably our “Malaysian Swimming Queen” given her immense experience, contribution to the nation and seniority in the Malaysian elite swim squad. Hailing from Seremban, she has achieved what many aspirants only dream about. A seasoned Olympian, she represented our nation at the 2000 Sydney, 2004 Athens and 2008 Beijing Olympics; 2002 Busan and 2006 Doha Asian Games; and the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games. She won 10 gold medals in six SEA Games appearances.

That’s on the “getting down to business” front but in getting to know Yi Ting a bit better we get behind the swimming scene to unveil her personality just a wee bit more. Beyond the pool and behind the enthrallment of this 26-year old’s successes Yi Ting is truly an affable, refined and humble woman. A young lady of substance, Yi Ting is simple to the bone but very much a high achiever at heart. Born of the zodiac sign of Sagittarius – a sign that’s known for its sensitivity, congeniality and analytical nature, she exudes an air of calm determination with the embellishment of grace and kind nature.

So what are her favorite foods? What does she think about cuisines? Without hesitation, she responded that she wholesomely “loves” Western breakfast. She coyly remarked that she could easily have it for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Of course that’s just the top of her list. Beyond that, she has a luring penchant, if not a pleasurable weakness, for invigorating Thai, exotic Korean and refined Japanese cuisine.

Music provides relaxation as well as exhilaration and is good for putting people in the right mood. With music, Yi Ting finds solace and delight in the likes of Foster the People, Linkin Park, Black Eyed Peas and Eminem. As for the symphony of colors, she finds turquoise and all the neon colors simply irresistible. When prodded as to what she meant by “neon” colors, she eagerly answered: “bright, vibrant, brilliant and striking colors”. It’s not difficult to fathom why turquoise is tops because perhaps owing to its calming and pleasing shade for the eyes as well as having an affinity to warm waters.

For ladies, shopping is another spice of life. So what would her passion be? Yi Ting admits that she relishes and indulges in high-heeled shoes and big or chunky earrings when she has a chance to go shopping. She dresses according to occasion but prefers casual and easy dressing. Understandably that means comfort in dressing. For jeans, she usually goes for Forever 21.

Well-traveled, Siow Yi Ting is perceivably a young lady with fine looks, brains and talents; and a touch for the creativity and soulfulness of art. Remarkably, that is a rather special combination. She finished high school at the world-famous Bolles School in Jacksonville, Florida and thereafter, studied at the University of Wisconsin before graduating from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Arts (Arts).

When asked what she finds conducive in Arena products, she charmingly answered: “I love to race in Arena suits because they fit comfortably to my body – it’s sort of very suitable for Asian physique”. “With training suits, I simply love the striking and vibrant colors and designs of Arena”. “They are striking and fun”.

In her message to the kids and youths who love the swimming sport, she has these kind and motivational words to impart: “train hard, show no fear and be confident during competitions”. “Don't get too hard on yourself if you don't do your best time but be humble when you become a top swimmer”.

We along with our fellow Malaysians wish Siow Yi Ting the very best in her future endeavors. She qualified for the London 2012 Olympics and that would hopefully be included in her already impressive accolades of achievements.

Swim on Yi Ting !