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Friday March 13, 2009

Ian touted to become a top backstroker

By LIM TEIK HUAT

PETALING JAYA: A swimming star may come to the fore for Malaysia before the year is over.

Ian James Barr, a new recruit in the national swimming squad, is touted to become a top backstroker. But unlike his illustrious predecessor, Lim Keng Liat, the young Ian stands out in the crowd for his height and it is in the advantage in reach that he enjoys over his rivals that could help him go far.

Ian is going on to 14 but he is exceptionally tall for his age at 1.83m — taller than the average adult. He will be looking to build on his reputation in the national schools (MSSM) championships at the Darul Ehsan Aquatic Centre in Shah Alam beginning next Tuesday.

Height for success: Ian James Barr is going on 14 but he already stands 1.83m. — CHUA KOK HWA / The Star

Ian is not only taking part in his pet backstroke events (50m, 100m and 200m) but he is also tackling the 50m and 200m breaststroke as well as the 100m freestyle.

He was eligible to compete in the Under-12 category at the championships early last year. But he opted for the Under-15 category and won four gold medals.

The Kuala Lumpur lad, who has been breaking most of Keng Liat’s records at the age-group level, is hoping to keep up with the good show in his second year of competition in the Under-15 category.

“I managed to break the 100m backstroke record last year. I hope to improve on it and, if possible, win my events in new record times,” said Ian, who has personal best times of 28.05 over 50m and 1:01.50 over 100m.

“But I will not be too disappointed if I cannot do it as I still have one year more to swim in the Under-15 category.”

Like all young athletes, Ian aspires to climb up the ranks as fast as possible. He has a good chance to earn stardom if he gets a place in the team for the Laos SEA Games in December.

The Games qualifying mark of 59.56 for the 100m backstroke, which is the silver medal-winning effort at the 2007 Korat Games, is well within his reach.

Ian said that he would give his best shot to qualify on merit for the Games in Vientiane.

“That is one of my main goals for the year and it is achievable,” said Ian, who has been swimming since he was seven.

National coach Paul Birmingham Thomas said that it would be no surprise if Ian qualified on merit for the SEA Games.

“He is a kid with big potential. It’s not easy to get someone with such a physique at his age, especially in this region,” said the Australian.

Besides the SEA Games, the other major competitions for Ian to look forward to this year are the Malaysian Open in Seremban (May), SEA age-group in Kuala Lumpur and Asian Youth Championships in Singapore (both in June).

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