KUALA LUMPUR – Merely weeks after the shocking news of Lee Zii Jia’s departure from the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), the country is rocked by another bombshell after Welson Sim announced his resignation from the national swimming squad.
The two-time Olympian submitted his resignation on February 7 to the National Sports Council (NSC) and Malaysia Swimming (MS) saying that he could not come to terms with the strict training regime under MS.
NSC director-general Datuk Ahmad Shapawi Ismail said that Welson “wants his own coach instead of the ones provided by MS”.
NSC, however, according to Shapawi, was unable to “approve his request because his performance has been inconsistent and thus, doesn’t justify his demand.
“Also, if we allow him a personal coach, then other athletes would want one too. Then who is going to pay for that?” he told The Vibes.
At the same time, NSC had proposed for national swimming coach Chris Martin to train 25-year-old Welson, which he refused.
“If the other athletes are okay with being trained under Chris, then why can’t Welson? I wonder,” said Shapawi.
In the meantime, NSC had already renewed Welson’s contract in January, but MS secretary-general Mae Chen, when contacted, said the Sarawakian was adamant to proceed with his resignation.
“Although he (Welson) submitted his resignation letter on February 7, he can still continue to swim. He can continue to take part in any (sporting) event that Sarawak enters him for, because he’s a Sarawakian.
“Only difference is, when his contract is terminated, he would be unable to enjoy the perks and benefits that NSC has to offer.
Mae added they had tried to convince Welson to stay. But it seems that he was adamant with his decision to leave the national squad.
Commenting on whether he will be participating in the Malaysia Open in March, Mae said MS have not received any application to enter Welson from Sarawak’s state swimming association.
“Any application to enter the Malaysia Open has to go through the state’s sports association, but his entry has not come through yet.
“But he should participate because it (Malaysia Open) is a selection event for the SEA Games in Hanoi,” she said.
Meanwhile, attempts to contact Chris and Welson were futile. – The Vibes, February 12, 2022
