Penang’s artistic swimming programme is building momentum with more than 50 swimmers training at the Setia SPICE Aquatic Centre in Bayan Lepas.
Malaysia Artistic Swimming chairperson Tasha Jane said the state’s swimmers across different age groups are showing real potential to represent Malaysia at the Asian Championships and the World Championships.
\”If they continue on this development pathway, I hope to see more of them representing Malaysia at the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games and beyond,\” she told Buletin Mutiara.
One Penang swimmer was already included in the national SEA Games squad that competed in Bangkok, Thailand, last year, an encouraging milestone for the state’s programme.
Tasha, who also serves as a board member of Malaysia Aquatics and the Penang Amateur Swimming Association, said the association runs talent identification programmes twice a year to ensure a steady pipeline of young athletes.
Artistic swimming demands far more than natural ability. The sport requires years of technical mastery, breath control, stamina and discipline, with swimmers performing difficult movements underwater for extended periods.
\”It is a highly technical sport that takes years to master. Unlike some sports where results can come relatively quickly, artistic swimming requires patience, passion and perseverance,\” Tasha said.
Parents play an important role in supporting young athletes through the long development process. The association welcomes children as young as six, while master’s athletes, many of whom are women in their 40s and 50s, continue to enjoy the sport recreationally or competitively.
The Penang state team trains five days a week, from Wednesday to Sunday. Beginners attend three sessions weekly, while leisure classes run once or twice a week for those who prefer recreational participation.
Tasha pointed to three qualities essential for artistic swimmers: breath control, stamina and a good attitude.
\”Swimmers need excellent breath control because they perform difficult movements underwater for extended periods. They also need the stamina to complete an entire routine without running out of breath,\” she said.
\”But above all, I believe a good attitude is the most important quality. Every athlete needs discipline, humility and the willingness to learn.\”
The sport blends athleticism with artistry. Swimmers dance to music together, with every routine carefully choreographed to appear effortless, even though each movement demands strength, precision and teamwork.
The team is already preparing for future overseas competitions, subject to invitations and international event schedules. Parents interested in introducing their children can arrange free trial classes through the association.
Most of Penang’s current artistic swimmers are still in school, with nearly half aged below 12, signalling a promising future for the sport in the state.
Tasha hopes the programme will continue to grow and attract more athletes. \”We currently have about 50 swimmers in Penang, and we hope that number will continue to increase because this is such a beautiful sport and we want the knowledge and passion for it to be passed on to future generations,\” she said.
