KUCHING, Feb 7 – Rising swimming sensation Sheamus Chew Heng Yi made headlines at the 51st Sarawak Age Group Swimming Championship by breaking the 1,500m freestyle record. Clocking an impressive 18:40.37, Sheamus shattered the previous record of 18:42.96 set by Bong Yi Xiang in 2024.
The 13-year-old swimmer expressed his excitement and surprise at his accomplishment. “I didn’t think I could break it, but I managed to. I just swam at my own pace,” said Sheamus, smiling as he recalled his performance. He credited his success to advice from his coach, Frederick, who told him to maintain a steady rhythm and avoid starting too fast to conserve energy.
Sheamus’s victory wasn’t just a one-time feat. He also triumphed in the 200m Individual Medley for Men’s Group 3 (ages 12-13), further proving his potential as a rising star in Sarawak’s swimming scene.
As the crowd cheered him on, Sheamus remained focused on his next event—the 100m butterfly, which he described as his favourite. “I’m excited for the 100m butterfly. It’s my best event,” he added confidently.
His coach, Frederick, praised Sheamus’s dedication and work ethic, noting that his consistent training and disciplined approach have been instrumental in his achievements.
The 51st Sarawak Age Group Swimming Championship has long been a platform for discovering young talent, and Sheamus’s record-breaking performance stands out as a highlight of this year’s competition. With his strong determination and the support of his coach and teammates, Sheamus is definitely one to watch in the future.
