DOUBLE: Diver, swimmer make it a memorable day for aquaticsDIVER Nazreen Abdullah and swimmer Yap Siew Hui made it a double for aquatics at the 2013 Education Ministry Malaysian Schools Sports Council-Milo Awards when they were voted the boys' and girls' Athlete of the Year respectively in Putrajaya yesterday.
Nazreen, a 10-metre platform specialist, outdid himself to win two gold medals at the Myanmar Sea Games via the 10m individual and synchronised (with Ooi Tze Liang) events.
The Bukit Jalil Sports School student also won two gold medals in the same disciplines at the Asian Diving Cup earlier last year where had partnered Mohd Danial Sabri in the synchro.
Siew Hui, a short-distance butterfly specialist, took gold in the 50m and 100m butterfly events at the Islamic Solidarity Games in Indonesia and another two gold in the same disciplines at the Sea Age-Group Swimming Championships in Brunei.
The SMJK Katholik, Petaling Jaya student also mounted the podium at the Myanmar Sea Games after helping the 4x100m medley team to bronze.
The duo, both 16, are equally eager to achieve bigger goals in their young careers this season.
"I did not expect to win this award. I definitely owe this to my parents and coaches as I would not be here without them," said Nazreen.
"Winning at the Sea Games was really big for me. My goal this year is to win a medal at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. It will be tough but I believe it is not impossible."
Siew Hui said: "I have to thank Paul Birmingham (national swimming coach) and my parents for supporting me all this while.
"I hope to qualify for the Incheon Asian Games and Glasgow Commonwealth Games this year. I will have to work hard to make the cut but hopefully I will get the chance to represent Malaysia."
The pair each received RM5,000, a trophy, medal and certificates.
Squash player Ng Eain Yow and diver Traisy Vivien Tukiet had won the titles last year.
Roll of Honour --
Boys' Most Promising Athlete: Muhammad Hafiz Zhafri Abdul Harif (squash).
Special Award: Nur Muhammad Izham M Azwi (shooting).
Special Education Award: Mohd Solehuddin Azizan (athletics).
Athlete of the Year: Nazreen Abdullah (diving)
Girls' Most Promising Athlete: Amisha Sofia Azli (rhythmic gymnastics).
Special Award: Phoon Eyin (wushu)
Special Education Award: Nurul Nadia Latif (athletics)
Athlete of the Year: Yap Siew Hui (swimming).
Most dedicated teacher (male): Na'aman Mohd Shah (athletics, posthumous).
Most dedicated teacher (female): Chee Shin Lian (table tennis).
Leadership award: Tan Sri Abd Ghafar Mahmud.
