KUCHING – The swimming finals at the Borneo Games Kuching 2025 (BGK 2025) produced not only outstanding results but also powerful narratives of personal achievement.
Held at the state-of-the-art Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre, the event saw athletes from across the region secure victories through a combination of talent and resilience.
Sabah’s Laura Lee Yen Nie secured a gold medal in the demanding women’s 200m butterfly event. She revealed that her focus was solely on achieving a personal best rather than winning a podium place.
Laura encouraged other competitors to maintain self-belief and acknowledge the importance of rest for peak performance.
Representing the host state, 15-year-old prodigy Chereen Ngo Yirui achieved a remarkable double victory. She claimed gold in both the women’s 800m freestyle and the 200m breaststroke.
Ngo identified the 800m race as her toughest challenge, requiring immense determination to maintain speed against strong competition from Sabah.
In the men’s 200m butterfly, Sarawak’s Puong Wei Hii emphasised the significance of mental preparation.
He advised fellow athletes to pursue activities they enjoy, such as listening to music, to manage pre-competition stress and maintain a positive mindset for training and racing.
The reflections from these champions underscored the core values of the BGK 2025, highlighting perseverance and the personal joy of competition beyond the pursuit of medals.
The games continue to showcase emerging talent and promote sporting excellence throughout the region.