Muhammad Nur Iman biting a strap to get into starting position for the backstroke during a training session at MBJB Aquatic Centre in Larkin, Johor Baru.
ARMLESS teen Muhammad Nur Iman Khairi kicks and glides in a swimming pool for an hour daily as part of his training for the Malaysia Games (Sukma) in Sarawak.
Having only discovered his interest in swimming about a year ago, the 14-year-old para athlete from Muar said he is excited to represent Johor in the national sporting event.
“I was born without arms which means I can only depend on my core strength and legs to move in the water.
“I may be different from others but it does not stop me from pushing myself.
“For example, to get into the starting position for backstroke, I am unable to hold the bars at the platform.
“So, I have to bite a strap held by someone else to prop myself up,” he told StarMetro when met at MBJB Aquatic Centre in Larkin, Johor Baru.
Lim fixing Dennis’ swimming cap during her son’s training session to improve on his showing at Para Sukma.
He added that he enjoyed the breaststroke and would be competing in the 50m, 100m and 200m races in Para Sukma, the multi-sport event for people with disability.
The shy teenager also said it would be his first time competing.
“I feel nervous about facing swimmers from other states who are more experienced.
“I just hope that I can finish the race to make my coach and parents proud,” said the student of SMK Raja Muda in Muar.
His coach, Syasya Amir, who teaches him one-to-one, said she had to keep motivating the teen.
She shared that Muhammad Nur Iman felt self-conscious and worried that he might not be able to complete the race.
“His training includes physical exercise on land to help him gain strength but at first he wanted to give up after experiencing body aches,” she said.
“To keep him motivated, I advised him to be patient and to try and enjoy the process.”
Muhammad Nur Iman is one of five para athletes training under the Johor Para Swimming Association.
They will be representing the state in the 21st Para Sukma in September.
The para swimmers, aged 14 to 26, have different disabilities such as visual and intellectual impairments.
Theresa Lim, whose 22-year-old son Dennis Chong is another state para swimmer, said participating in the sport helped her son gain self-confidence.
Because of his cerebral palsy, Dennis’ legs are immobile and he has to move around in a wheelchair.
“I found out about para swimming from a volunteer more than two years ago,” she said.
“We decided to give it a try so that my son can join some activities rather than just staying at home.
“I recall his first training session where we saw para athletes with a variety of disabilities.
“I could not help but cry and told Dennis that if they could do it, so could he,” said Lim, who works at a factory in Singapore.
After that, Dennis was determined to do his best and went on to win bronze in the 2022 Para Sukma in Kuala Lumpur.
Lim shared that Dennis has since won five medals representing Johor in competitions.
The mother of three added that for years she had been working the night shift in order to be home to take care of her son during the day.
Her medical assistant husband takes over the task at night while she is at work.
“We are proud that Dennis has found his passion in swimming.
“I encourage other parents with special children to let them explore sports as it is highly beneficial,” she added.
Johor Para Swimming Association president Alwiyah Talib said they were targeting a medal haul of four gold and one silver at Para Sukma 2024.
“Participating in sports is a form of therapy that brings a lot of health benefits.
“Parents play a huge part in encouraging and motivating children with special needs to excel in sports.”
Alwiyah, who is also Endau assemblyman, expressed hope that more resources could be given to para swimming.
“This would provide opportunities for more people with special needs,” she said.
Presently, the association works closely with Johor Youth and Sports Department on the iTalents programme and similar activities to discover new para athletes who have the potential to compete at inter-state level.
“The association conducts programmes at districts around the state to discover future para swimmers,” she said.
Those interested to participate in para sports can get in touch with the department’s unit for persons with disabilities at 07-223 2614.
