Teen Swimmer Sets New Malaysian Record For Men’s 50m Freestyle

Penang swimmer, Alwyn Tan set a new national record in the men's 50m freestyle at the Malaysian Open Swimming Championships held at the National Aquatic Centre in Bukit Jalil today.

Alwyn, 17, clocked 23.17 seconds in the heats to erase 23.42s set by Selangor's Foo Jian Beng in 2011, and earned a ticket to the Singapore SEA Games in June.

"I am really happy. I just feel that I have accomplished something that I really wanted to. I missed this like three or four times already and this is the first time I did it," said Alwyn, who is not in the national squad but trained under the Penang Swimming Club.

He said that the record would boost his confidence to splash his way to a medal when making his debut in the Singapore SEA Games.

Alwyn clocked 23.40s to bag the gold medal while Keith Lim of Kuala Lumpur settled for the silver with a time of 23.74s and Chan Jie of Selangor took the bronze with a time of 23.98s.

National swimmer Kevin Yeap was another swimmer to book a ticket to the 2015 Fina World Championships that is scheduled for August in Kazan, Russia.

The 26-year-old Perak born swimmer clocked 15 minutes 45.76s, en route to win a gold medal in the men's 1,500m freestyle and earned a ticket to his fifth SEA Games, which was better that the Category B qualifying mark of 15:45.97s.

Vernon Lee of Sarawak took silver (16:05.31s) and Wong Jun Bin of Kuala Lumpur won bronze with a time of 16:25.49s.

After four days, Selangor topped the board with 11 gold, eight silver and nine bronze medals.
Hong Kong Amateur Swimming Association are in second place with nine gold medals while Johor are third with six gold, two silver and a bronze medal. – Bernama, March 29, 2015.

Alwyn Sets New 50m Record

KUALA LUMPUR: Alwyn Tan Yean Yang was the star performer on the final day of the Malaysian Open swimming championships as he set a new national record in the men’s 50m freestyle.

The 17-year-old clocked 23.17 in the heat to erase Foo Jian Beng’s time of 23.42 set at the same meet in 2011.

Alwyn, however, was unable to improve his time in the final. He finished in 23.40 to win the gold.

Keith Lim Kit Sern clocked 23.74 to take the silver while Selangor’s Chan Jie finished third in 23.98.

“I came close to beating the national record three times. I am really glad to finally beat it,” said Alwyn from the Penang Swimming Club.

Alwyn was also elated that his time earned him a place in the Singapore SEA Games in June.

“I am hoping for at least a podium finish in June,” said Alwyn, who was also a silver medallist in the 100m freestyle.