Kota Kinabalu: Penampang Preppies Swimming Club (PPSC) were crowned champions at the Penampang Preppies Under-12 Swimming Championship held at the Penampang Sports Complex swimming pool recently.
The host club dominated the two-day event with an impressive 44 gold, 41 silver, and 41 bronze medals to clinch the overall title.
Second place went to Persatuan Akuatik Labuan (PAL) with 19 golds, 24 silvers and 20 bronzes followed by Aquatic Kuala Lumpur (AKL) with 18 golds, eight silvers and nine bronzes.
AKL’s Edward Ngok Shao Han, who set a new meet record in the Boys’ 10-year-old 100m freestyle with a time of 1:08.93, was also named the best achiever in the age category with his total haul of six gold, one silver, and two bronze medals.
His teammate Skye Teo Ye Xiang also rewrote the Boys’ 11-year-old 100m Individual Medley record with his time of 1:17.42 as well as taking the best achiever award in his category with seven golds, one silver and two bronzes.
The other best achievers in each of the age categories were Shane Lee Xiao Jian of Kelab Renang SSA Sandakan - Boys’ 10 (three golds, two silvers); Isaiah Tong Khou Vui Abdullah (SSA) - Boys’ 9 (six golds, one silver, two bronzes); Carlson Lee Han Xiong (PPSC) - Boys’ 12 (six golds); Bridget Ngu Shu Xing (PPSC) - Girls’ 8 (two golds, three silvers); Xuan Chloe Lee (Sea Dragon Swimming Club) -Girls’ 9 (seven golds, two silvers, one bronze); Cordelia Wong Qiu Han (PPSC) - girls’ 10 (seven golds, one bronze); Hanna Marissa Dax Citoy (PAL) Girls’ 11 (six golds, three silvers, one bronze); Arianna Daniella Aziz Sharizan (PAL)-Girls 12 (four golds, four silvers, one bronze).
PPSC president Danny Madalus said the meet with record entries not only showcased competitive excellence but also provided a platform for building confidence, resilience, and sportsmanship among young athletes.
“This highest-ever participation with 339 swimmers from clubs across Sabah, Sarawak, the Federal Territory of Labuan and Kuala Lumpur further affirmed this two-day meet as one of the leading grassroots swimming platforms in the region.
“The participants also had to overcome adversities as the days leading up to the championship were marked by torrential rain, severe flooding, and landslides across parts of Sabah.
“Despite these challenges, the championship was able to go ahead safely and smoothly, thanks to the resilience and commitment of swimmers, parents, coaches, and organisers for making it an unforgettable milestone,” he said.
