Foul!

Today is Awal Muharam - the beginning of the Islamic New Year. It's a public holiday. Hopefully, it will also be the beginning of more Malaysians showing their support to the para athletes competing in the on-going Asean Para Games (which ends tomorrow) by flocking the stands. Former national swimmer Khoo Cai Lin, had yesterday, tweeted: It was indeed a heart breaking message. So as Cai Lin rightfully said: Even other athletes including wushu exponent and SEA Games gold medalist Loh Jack Chang encouraged the masses to support our extraordinary heroes. Let's be inspired by our para athletes .

Loh Jack Chang, a decorated wushu exponent and an MBA holder, is unsure what's next for him once he quits sports. “We’re taught we can push through anything, we can make it wherever we want to go, and we’re always told to not ask for help." Those were the words of US Olympian   Allison Schmitt. The Michigan-born swimmer was quoted in the article ' The Dark Side of Going for Gold ' — which discusses how athletes are prone to emotional crashes after the Olympics. As the 29th edition of the SEA Games ended in Kuala Lumpur last week, Malaysian athletes are also emotionally tested. They now ask - what's next? Most of them are enjoying a break, or what is widely known as a cooling off period.  However, many of those who competed in the regional Games said they are unsure what is their next assignment as they await instructions from their respective associations and the National Sports Council. But those who have expressed their intention to retire face a...

As published in Mailsport today By Wan Noriza Meor Idris mmsports@mmail.com.my NATIONAL swimming queen Khoo Cai Lin has a secret only people close to her know about Initially she grew up despising the sport!  "My involvement in swimming started at the age of three when I was forced into the pool at Petaling Jaya’s Kelab Syabas by my mother,” recalls Cai Lin. “I really disliked swimming and the pool at that time. It was like my scariest nightmare. I dreaded getting into the water but my mom insisted on taking me there. "When my elder sister Cai Lian got diagnosed for asthma, she was advised to swim. My mother dragged me along for company.  “But now, I thank my mother for forcing me to keep to swimming. Thanks a million Mum!"  Undying passion for the sport A Christmas baby, Cai Lin gradually fell in love with the pool and swimming allowing the sport to now play a big part in her life. "When I started enjoying what I was doi...