Synchronised swimming team settles for silver

Malaysian synchronised swimmers waving to the crowd after completing their routine at the OCBC Aquatic Centre in Singapore. - S.S KANESAN / The Star

SINGAPORE: There’s still a lot of work to be done, especially in team events if Malaysia are to reclaim their supremacy in synchronised swimming in the region.

Katrina Ann Hadi-Zylane Lee Yhing Huey had done all the hard work by clinching the duet technical and free routine gold medal earlier in the day.

But it was not enough to inspire the team to defy the odds in the team free combination event.

Despite a classy showcase to a mash-up of the “Game of Thrones” soundtrack, Malaysia could only score 73.733 points to settle for silver.

Causeway rivals Singapore, who have overtaken Malaysia in team events, were clearly superior this time, racking up an impressive 77.0667 points to finish top.

It was only their second gold medal from synchronised swimming at the SEA Games after winning the team technical and free routine event on Wednesday.

Despite the defeat, top Malaysian swimmer Katrina believes the experience would do the young and raw team a world of good.

Of Malaysia’s team of nine swimmers, four are aged below 18.

The 15-year-olds are Kwong Zhi Kei and Lee Yiat Xin and the 16-year-olds are Gan Hua Wei and Lee Yiat Lum.

“We’ve had to rebuild half our team and the girls have put in so much effort ... training eight hours a day,” said Katrina.

“It’s been hard for the more experienced girls too because we’ve had to take care of the younger ones as well.

“But we’re still rebuilding this team, which is why we brought so many young ones.

“The goal is the 2017 SEA Games we’ll be hosting ... that’s where we aim to win as many golds as possible. So, the experience here will definitely help."

The Star