5-Time World Champion Told She Cannot Compete In Malaysia Open Despite Meeting Requirement

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Ong, who is the world number one in the women's butterfly 35-39 age group, also defeated 50-metre freestyle record-holder Chui Lai Kwan at the event organised by the Darul Ehsan Aquatic Centre.

The 37-year-old and mother of three finished first during the 50-metre freestyle 18 and over category, with a time of 26.72 seconds, followed by 30-year-old Chui at 26.83.

Chan, who led the 15-17 category, trailed Ong by 0.08 seconds after finishing at 26.80.

The Malaysian Swimming Federation (MSF), however, has reportedly told Ong to not compete.

According to a report in The Vibes, Ong said that she was informed that she is no longer allowed to compete in the tournament even though she meets the merit requirement of at least 500 FINA points.

"Based on merit, I'm qualified to compete in the Malaysia Open. To qualify, you must meet at least 500 FINA points. But I have 700 points," Ong was quoted as saying by The Vibes yesterday, 3 February.

"Now, they are telling me that Masters Swimmers are to be excluded from participating in the Malaysia Open, which is weird because this has never happened before," the former national swimmer said.

MSF has also told her "to not waste" her time by appealing against the decision.

SAYS has reached out to MSF for a comment, but has not heard back at the time of writing.

The biennial regional multi-sport event will be held in Hanoi, Vietnam from 12 to 23 May this year.

"In the 2019 FINA World Masters Championship in Gwangju, my time was 28.68. To get to the SEA Games, I need to clock 28.38, which is only 0.3 seconds away. I hope the national swimming federation gives me the chance to prove myself, instead of just turning me away for no apparent reason," Ong said, adding that if she makes it to Hanoi, she knows she can do her best to bring a good name for Malaysia.

Ong won five gold and two silver medals in the 2019 FINA World Masters Championship.

The same coach, she said, had sexually assaulted at least 10 athletes over the years.

It was during one of her abroad trips that a swimming coach touched her breast.

Speaking to Malaysiakini in May last year, Ong recalled that the coach came into her room and told her to take a nap before the competition. He then sat next to her and patted her.

"I was lying on the bed, and he came over and patted my shoulder. Then, his hand went here, there, there...," she was quoted as saying, adding that as a teenager, she was naive and unsure how to respond.

A month later, she revealed more details.

Ong alleged the same coach "definitely tried to rape" her when she was in her 20s.

According to Ong, she never spoke to anyone about it as she didn't know how to navigate the uncomfortable situation. "I just couldn't. Not when I was 20, not when I was 13, especially not when I was 13," she said, adding that when she finally came out, people accused her of seeking attention.

This story will be updated if and when we hear back from both MSF and Ong.