AFTER making the country and Penang proud by winning a gold, a silver, and a bronze during the 2021 Asian Youth Para Games in Bahrain last December, the 15-year-old Zy Lee Kher has now set his sights on the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Born with half a right arm, no right leg and a malformed left leg with only three toes, Lee Kher has shown a remarkable fortitude by making waves at the swimming pool.
He attributed his achievements and successes in the para swimming category to his parents as well his trainers for their motivation and guidance.
To recognise and value his contribution, the state government, through the Penang State Sports Council, recently gave him an incentive of RM4,200 under the Penang State Sports Incentive Scheme (Skimas) for Penang-based athletes who excel in sports.
In a virtual interview together with his father Walter Lee by Buletin Mutiara, the articulate Lee Kher emphasised that his family has been his pillar of his strength.
“First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to my family, particularly my parents, who have been supportive all this while. Their sacrifices have enabled me to grow up in a loving environment, despite the numerous challenges I have faced since I was small.
“Back then, my father taught my sibilings and I to be independent. He has showered me with care and love and I am blessed to be born into this family.
“I am extremely grateful,” said Lee Kher, who uses prosthetic legs to move around.
Recalling the day when he started to learn swimming, Lee Kher said he was taught some basic floating techniques.
“At first, my father had wanted me to pick up swimming to master some basic water safety skills.
“However, after quite some time, my coach asked me to participate in a competition.
“That was when I realised that my performance was good during that time. Then the rest was history as my early interest in swimming developed into an abiding passion,” he said.
Before the 2021 Asian Youth Para Games in Bahrain, Lee Kher went to Thailand for a few months to undergo some hard training.
“My family has been in Thailand all this while and I had gone over there to train under the guidance of Thai coaches.
“I enjoyed my stint there because I was able to improve on my timings with the knowledge imparted to me by the different coaches.
“It was also an eye opener for me as I also got to know some foreign swimmers as well.
“Training in Thailand for a short period of time has benefited me in the long term,” he said, adding that he had also managed to cope well with his online classes.
Looking optimistic and cheerful throughout the interview session, Lee Kher has a positive outlook on life.
“No one should give up in life. We need to stand on our own feet no matter how bad the situation is,” said Lee Kher, who is studying in SMJK Chung Ling in Air Itam.
This is certainly a very inspiring message from a teenager who has overcome adversity.
Another major event Lee Kher took part in was the 2019 World Para Swimming World Series in Singapore.
Walter Lee told Buletin Mutiara that the 2019 World Para Swimming World Series in Singapore and the 2021 Asian Youth Para Games in Bahrain were arguably the biggest sporting events that Lee Kher has so far participated.
“I had followed him to Bahrain previously, and I would say it was an eye-opener for me as well.
“I am proud of his achievement as he is our son.
“My son is independent with a high level of self-discipline,” said Walter, who is also known as Chef Kani in Thailand and a well-known personality in the food industry.
Walter also praised Penang for its living environment, which proves to be a conducive place for his son to grow up.
“I can rest assured that he can grow up independently in Penang,” he said.
Inspired by his son, Walter had set up Zy Movement Foundation in 2010.
“Over the years, the foundation has provided assistance to over 50,000 disabled children in Southeast Asia,” he added.
Walter looks beyond swimming for Lee Kher has been actively involved in scout activities in his school.
“I hope he can become a King’s Scout,” Walter said enthusiastically.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix courtesy of interviewee