Lim successfully challenges MYA for Olympic ticket

by Jugjet Singh, New Straits Times Online on 15 Jul 2008 Kevin Lim is no stranger to the Olympics, but it is a pity that he had to fight his way as his qualification in the Laser class was challenged by the Malaysian Yachting Association (MYA).

Lim, 32, qualified through the World Laser Championships in Australia in February, where the MYA did not see fit to send any of its sailors. But he triumphed in his appeal, and is now looking forward to blue skies and choppy seas again.

When asked about his chances: 'Much poorer than if I had been funded to campaign throughout 2007.' And even though he had numerous problems with funding, he is realistic about the RM1 million incentive offered by the government for a gold medal in Qingdao.

'I feel this (RM1 million) is a great outcome goal, but outcome goals are only good if the process goals have been given sufficient investment as well. Personally, I would rather the RM1 million be invested into the Olympic campaign to give the athletes a chance at winning a gold medal in the first place.

'Once you have good results in most sports (and combined with a good personality and some decent planning for the future), it is possible to secure employment that will set you up for life anyway,' said Lim.

And on his training regime? 'It is strict. 0730 wake up; 0830 morning training session; 1030 post training meal; 1100 paper work/studying/ lunch. 1400 afternoon training session; 1900 post training meal; 2000 flexi time and 2230 sleep.' He has it meticulously planned, but funding was his major set-back and he could not train as much as he wanted in 2007.

Read the full story at http://www.nst.com.my/