Dear readers, it’s been awhile since I’ve last shared things with you, isn’t it? Well, things have been really busy on my side, but today I’m excited to share my enthralling journey as a Safety Diver with you.
If you have been following my social media; say…my Facebook, you would notice that I’ve recently volunteered in Onshore Pool Freediving Competition as a Safety Diver and I’ve shared tiny tidbits of my journey there, but here’s a lengthier version of it, so come and join me as share with you the empowering nature of this event that brings together freedivers from all walks of life, while ensuring their safety throughout the captivating competition.
One day before the competition; briefing, safety team’s scenario training and judges training. The training was to ensure we are well prepared for all possible scenarios and to prevent any preventable mishaps throughout the competition day.
As I arrived at the Arena Sukan indoor pool in the morning during the competition day, a wave of anticipation washed over me. Surrounded by a hubbub of energetic athletes, I couldn’t wait to begin my role as a Safety Diver. The atmosphere was electric, with each breath seemingly charged with excitement, fueling the participants’ determination to showcase their prowess.
Here’s Team FAM in action; the Safety Divers and the athletes. Yup. Freediving Adventure Malaysia sent representatives in the form of athletes and safety divers too this round.
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a Safety Diver is knowing that my teammates and I played a crucial role in the competition’s success.
As athletes prepared to perform, my heart raced in sync with theirs. Meticulously positioned at strategic points within the pool, my fellow Safety Divers and I remained vigilant, ready to assist in any situation. Our presence acted as a reassuring lifeline, instilling a sense of confidence and encouraging the competitors to push their boundaries.
The sheer diversity of freedivers participating instantly captivated me. From seasoned veterans to those dipping their toes into this captivating sport for the first time, every individual exuded incredible courage and resilience. Witnessing these incredible humans, empowered by their unwavering determination, was awe-inspiring.
With one of the freediving athletes that I was assigned to do safety for today; Azua Shafii , during STA discipline.
Adam Lau on the other hand, was assigned to take care of her during her DYN performance. She’s very well known in the FD community as a very prolific athlete in Malaysia. Her achievements are really inspiring, and I look forward to seeing her perform in competition again. I’m not sure what the future will bring , but maybe we will cross paths again some day, since I’ve decided that I’ll still volunteer as a safety diver in freediving competitions in the future.
As a Safety Diver, I had the privilege of giving moral support to competitors prior to their session, offering words of encouragement as they showcased their breath-holding prowess. Here’s a picture of yours truly with Team FAM’s athlete, Mabel Lee.
Mable Lee is the most positive, easygoing and the most cheerful athlete ever. Super friendly and the best to cuddle with. I was assigned to be her safety diver during the STA discipline session at the Onshore Pool Freediving Competition. She did really well for this discipline and I am super happy and proud of her.
Not only she did well in STA discipline, but she managed to break her personal best record as well for the DYN discipline as well. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing her in more competitions in the near future.
The enthusiasm was contagious, uniting us all in a shared celebration of personal growth and achievement. Here’s yours truly with her freediving schoolmates, Team FAM at Onshore Pool Freediving Competition; the athletes, the safety team and our emotional support buddies.
There was no greater joy than witnessing the adrenaline-fueled smiles on their faces, knowing we played a part in their triumphant experience.
The Onshore Pool Freediving Competition not only serves as a platform for participants to challenge themselves physically but also offers valuable opportunities to connect with like-minded adventurers. The camaraderie that bloomed between athletes, Safety Divers, and the audience was truly heartwarming.
Whether mingling by the poolside or swapping tales of underwater conquests, the shared passion for freediving united us all. Countless friendships were forged, forming an invaluable support network that will undoubtedly continue to empower each individual in their future freediving endeavors.
As the competition drew to a close, my heart swelled with pride and happiness. Here’s Ms.Amy Cheng from Onshore Mermaid presenting me a certificate of participation as a token of appreciation for volunteering. A moment that truly warms my heart. Again, I never expected anything in return for volunteering, not even acknowledgments. All I wanted was just to give back to the freediving community while gaining precious experiences along the way. But it is certainly nice to be appreciated this way. The freediving community is definitely on another level.
The memories created, the bonds formed, and the unwavering spirit of those who took part left an indelible mark on my soul. Being a part of this exhilarating event has not only empowered the freedivers, but it has also empowered me to embrace my own personal obstacles, fostering a newfound belief in my abilities.
The Onshore Pool Freediving Competition held at Kuala Lumpur’s Arena Sukan pool is a celebration of empowerment, bringing together individuals from all walks of life and unleashing their true potential. As a Safety Diver, I couldn’t be prouder to have played a role in this empowering journey.
One for the album. As we continue to dive headfirst into life’s challenges, let us always remember the empowering spirit that comes with pushing our boundaries and supporting one another along the way. Let us be inspired by the remarkable triumphs witnessed amidst the thrilling competition.
For those who are interested in the competition’s official result may have a look HERE
They were like graceful mermaids and mermen, effortlessly gliding through the water. Let me tell you, they gave new meaning to the phrase “making a splash”. It was a moment of pure wonder and left us all in awe.
I don’t have much pictures of athletes to share since I was grounded doing emceeing tasks, but here’s sharing some pictures of athletes and coaches from my freediving school, Freediving Adventure Malaysia. From left; Boey, Mabel, Carin, Qi Hao and Melissa.
And let me tell you, these athletes cherry-picked their sportsmanship skills, showing us all that resilience, determination, and a positive attitude make all the difference.
My buddy Ahmad Syaifulizan getting a white card for DYNB discipline, with excellent surface coaching by Team FAM’s Boey. There is a backstory to this picture. Syaiful and Boey didn’t know each other prior to the competition, but Boey offered to be his surface coach after discovering that Syaiful doesn’t have one. I was so touched to see how friendship were forged during the event. This is indeed a true display of sportsmanship. It isn’t just about winning the competition, but about making lifelong friends as well.
Touching moments captured during the competition.
Let’s give a special shout-out to the phenomenal team of safety divers, who fearlessly plunged into the depths, ensuring the athletes’ safety at all times.
Now, let’s give a loud, cheerful round of applause for the unsung heroes of MFC 2023. The behind the scenes folks.
They are the true underwater superheroes who deserve medals of their own!
The incredible AIDA judges who brought their expertise to the competition. Paul Sack, Swen Becht, and Ms. Lee Wei Lin. You guys rocked the judging panel. Thank you for your meticulous assessment and ensuring that the competition was fair and square. Your invaluable contribution made MFC 2023 an unforgettable experience. We love all the white cards you gave out.
The athletes for MFC 2023 2nd Edition.
From left: Lee Wei Lin, Lei Quen, Swen Becht and Paul Sack. Lei Quen and Mabel Lee bagged both Best Overall Male, Best Overall Female alongside with Best Newcomer Male and Best Newcomer Female category. They brought home Trudive Smooth Skin Competition wetsuit, sponsored by 
