IPOH: A more mature Jordan Yip hopes to continue where he left off two years ago when he takes to the pool for the Perak Malaysia Games (Sukma) swimming competition on Sept 17-21.
The nation al swimmer, who will be repres enting Selangor at the Games, enjoyed a hugely successful Malaysia Games debut in Kuching two years ago where he won four gold in the 200m backstroke, 4x100m and 4x200m freestyle relay as well as the 4x100m medley.
The 19-year-old will be competing in six individual events this time — 50m and 100m butterfly, 50m and 100m backstroke, 200m and 400m individual medley (IM) — as well as three relays which have yet to be decided.
Jordan, who made his Sea Games debut in Kuala Lumpur last year, is feeling confident ahead of the competition.
“I am feeling quite good, I have been training really hard and working on my conditioning, mental strength and visualisation of the event itself,” Jordan said.
“Mental strength is very important. I believe 70 per cent of races are won in the mind.
“I am more mature this time and I believe I have a good chance of winning in all six of my individual events.”
Jordan, who started swimming seriously at eight when he was diagnosed with asthma, is not taking the competition lightly.
“I believe my main rivals will be from Federal Territories, Penang and Johor,” added Jordan.
“The 400m IM will be very competitive with current national record holder Sebastian Soon (FT) and former record holder Tia’a Faang Der (Johor) in there.
“Then we have Tony Tan, who is also from Selangor, who is really fast in the 50m and 100m butterfly.”
Selangor won the swimming competition two years ago by a mile after amassing 20 gold, 15 silver and nine bronze in Kuching.