| Fadhil Yunus |
BRUNEI Darussalam elite swimmer Muhammad Isa bin Ahmad broke the national open records in the 50m breaststroke and 200m individual medley events during the 7th Brunei Open & Master LC (Long Course) 2018 at the Swimming Pool of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex recently.
Muhammad Isa clocked 30.51s in the 50m breaststroke, eclipsing the old mark of 30.73s and 2:18.43 in the 200m individual medley bettering the previous record of 2:19.40s.
The swimmer shattered the national record in the 50m breaststroke which he sets during the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary last year and he also took ownership of the previous national record in the 200m individual medley which he sets in the United Kingdom.
It is not the first time that Muhammad Isa has lowered the national record having made adjustments of the times in the 50m breaststroke over the years.
“Achieving the record for the 200m IM was very unexpected because it isn’t my main event. I entered that event just for the experience,” said Muhammad Isa in an interview.
“However for the 50m breaststroke, I was definitely hoping to beat the record as it’s one of the events I like to focus on,” he added.
The swimmer also provided advice to young swimmers who may aspire to carry similar ambition of setting national records and to enjoy success in swimming.
“I want them to know that seeing them progress during these competitions and even to see them attend training inspires me to be better in what I do.”
“Keep working hard, stay positive and stay focused on their goals. Most importantly, have fun!” continued Muhammad Isa.
Muhammad Isa was also awarded a cash prize of BND300, which serves as an incentive to Bruneian swimmers who break the Brunei national open records for both long course and short course swimming events.
The swimmer was feted in recognition of his new milestone by Brunei Amateur Swimming Association (BASA) Honorary Secretary Ang Beng Siong.