KUCHING: On Friday, 18-year-old Sarawak swimmer Kelly Teo Yao won her sixth gold medal in the women’s 1500m freestyle event, becoming the 70th gold medalist for the home team.
In addition to this achievement, the talented Kelly also earned a bronze medal at the 21st Malaysia Games (SUKMA) Sarawak 2024.
In the women’s 1500m freestyle event, Kelly clinched the gold medal with a time of 17:56.21s, surpassing Sabah’s Chu Xin Ying, who finished with 18:10.61s and Penang’s Yeoh Yun Xuan (18:19.76s).
Kelly also expanded her medal collection by securing a bronze in the women’s 100m backstroke.
She posted a time of 1:07.38s, placing behind Penang’s Vivian Xin Ling Tee (1:06.85s) who took silver, and Chong Xin Lin from the Federal Territories, who won gold with a time of 1:04.06s.
With these victories, the 18-year-old has now accumulated six gold medals, one silver, and two bronze in her second SUKMA appearance.
In an interview, Kelly expressed astonishment at winning six gold medals in her second SUKMA, having previously earned only two gold and one silver in her debut appearance.
As the fourth of five siblings, she hails from a family deeply immersed in sports. All her siblings are swimmers, and her father has trained them since they were young.
“For this SUKMA, I aimed for three to four medals, so winning nine is an incredible achievement for me.
“I want to dedicate these medals to my parents and my coach, who have devoted so much time to training me in swimming,” she said.
On the cash incentives for medallists, Kelly revealed she plans to use part of the money to buy a car and enjoy time with family and friends.
“I’m very happy. I can use this money to benefit others or myself,” she added.
Previously, Kelly won five gold medals in the 400m freestyle, 800m freestyle, 200m backstroke, 400m individual medley, and 200m freestyle.
For the silver medal, Kelly won it along with her team members Cheeren Ngo Rui, Magdalenen Ing Siew Lau, and Shanise Jauwa Joseline Adong in the women’s 4x200m freestyle relay.
As for the bronze, she previously won it with her teammates Jeff Yu Yang Chua, Hii Puong Wei, and Magdalene Ing Siew Lau in the mixed 4x100m medley relay.
