In a week marked by determination, resilience, and emotional highs and lows, Lim Yin Chuen — fondly known as Ananda — delivered a performance that captured the spirit of Malaysian swimming, achieving a personal milestone that secured his place at the 2025 World Championships in Singapore.
The journey was far from smooth. In the lead-up to the Malaysia Open and the subsequent time trials, Yin Chuen faced unexpected setbacks, including a neck spasm and bicep tendon discomfort just days before the competition. Yet despite the physical challenges and mounting pressure, he demonstrated remarkable composure and perseverance — qualities that ultimately defined his breakthrough.
Video Credit: Clement Chew
The 100m freestyle had been a focal point for Yin Chuen this season. His mission was clear: to breach the elusive sub-50 second barrier, a feat that would mark a significant personal best and clinch the World Championships qualification. The heats hinted at what was possible; a 50.71 showed he was within striking distance.
But competition often tests resilience more than readiness. In the finals, a misjudged closing sprint left Yin Chuen narrowly off his target, clocking 50.36, heartbreakingly edged out by fellow national swimmer, Khiew Hoe Yean at the wall. A second opportunity came during the 4x100m freestyle relay, where he produced a strong 50.10 lead-off leg — another courageous effort, agonisingly close, but still shy of the qualifying mark.

Photo Credit: Clement Chew
It was a trying night for him, wrestling with self-doubt and frustration. Yet, true champions are often shaped in moments when no one is watching — when they must choose whether to stay down or stand back up.

Photo Credit: Clement Chew
Right after the whole meet ended, during an additional time trial organized to give some of our swimmers a final shot at qualification, Yin Chuen found his moment. Swimming with steely focus and quiet determination, he tore through the water to clock an outstanding 49.73 seconds, breaking through the psychological and physical barriers that had stood in his way.

Photo Credit: Clement Chew
With this swim, he shattered his personal best, finally breaking the 50-second barrier, he had long chased. More significantly, he etched his name into Malaysia’s swimming history — now standing as the second fastest Malaysian ever in the men’s 100m freestyle, behind only national record-holder Welson Sim (49.54).
“It was about not letting the setbacks define me. Learning to trust the process, even when it feels impossible,” Yin Chuen reflected after his breakthrough swim.
Congratulations Lim Yin Chuen on this important achievement. His performance stands as a testament to the strength, perseverance, and ambition of Malaysia’s new generation of swimmers. We look forward to seeing him continue to grow and proudly represent Malaysia on the world stage.