'I've been used to attack MS'

 

Cindy Ong

MASTERS swimmer Cindy Ong is undecided on whether to participate in the Malaysia Open on March 4-6 even if she is allowed to do so.

Cindy yesterday made it clear that it was never her intention to draw attention to herself, adding that the issue has been sensationalised by a number of media outlets over the past week.

The 37-year-old, who won five gold and two silver at the 2019 Gwangju World Masters Championships, is barred from competing in the Malaysia Open by Malaysia Swimming (MS) as she is deemed as a masters swimmer.

A masters swimmer generally competes in events for those above the age of 35.

However, the national body's decision was perplexing as Cindy had previously taken part in the national meet in 2018 at the age of 33.

The Malaysia Open is set to serve as a qualifying event for the Vietnam Sea Games on May 12-23.

Cindy, who has been in fine form over the past few months, had even beaten current national swimmer Angelina Chan and national record holder Chui Lai Kwan in a 50m freestyle event (short course) in Shah Alam in December.

The Perak-born sprinter's best chance of qualifying for the Sea Games, however, comes in the 50m butterfly which is her pet event.

"I feel that the whole issue has been blown out of proportion by a number of portals who had not spoken to me directly for my comments," said Cindy when contacted yesterday.

"The issue has been sensationalised and I, have in a way been used, to attack MS which was never my intent.

"The plan was originally to enter the Malaysia Open on a low profile as the underdog and try to secure Sea Games qualification.

"I had been feeling positive because I had achieved times in training which were faster than what I swam during Gwangju 2019. I felt that it would be cool to swim at the Sea Games again.

"Some states have offered to appeal for my inclusion on my behalf as entry to the Malaysia Open is based on registration by state.

"But I am not sure if I still want to swim in the event as I have been pushed into the spotlight for the wrong reasons, and will have to compete with added pressure."

Cindy disclosed that she is only a few tenths of a second away from meeting the 28.38s Sea Games qualifying standard for the 50m butterfly.

On a separate note, Cindy said she is hoping to secure new sponsors to support her masters career.

"Due to Covid-19, the amount of support from my sponsors has been reduced significantly," she said.

"As I have no (financial) support from the government, I rely on sponsorship to cover my training and also travel expenses for competitions which can cost a lot."

At masters level, Cindy hopes to next compete in the Australian National Championships in April. - NST