The team's Sea Games winning time of 7mins 27.32secs — a national record — en route to silver at the 2013 Myanmar Sea Games got them their tickets to the Commonwealth Games but they are already at a disadvantage.
Daniel Bego, who swam a 1:49 split in Myanmar, is not part of the team as he is still nursing his injured shoulder.
“That means we are without the swimmer who swam the fastest leg in the Sea Games and that places us at a disadvantage,” said coach Paul Birmingham at the Games Village yesterday.
Malaysia enter the Games as the sixth fastest outfit and Birmingham said if the 4x200m team can make the final, it will be an achievement.
“We have to contend with some tough teams, with the Australians the clear favourites. There is also the English to worry about and several others.
“Winning a medal would be fantastic but we have to be realistic and aim for our best."
Daniel's place has been taken by Vernon Lee while Lim Ching Hwang, Welson Sim and Kevin Yeap complete the team.
Birmingham, however, said the four have improved on their times since the Sea Games.
“Each is swimming at least one second faster now and that is good for them. Preparations were also smooth till the Malaysia Games came around but we have managed to get some good work in and we will see how it goes.”
NST
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