{
  "id": 12587167,
  "title": "Swimming body may get 'outside help' after medal drought",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/swimming-body-may-get-outside-help-after-medal-drought",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-07T08:48:57.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/others/2026/10/1549772/swimming-body-may-get-outside-help-after-medal-drought"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's swimming team experienced a medal drought at the recent Asian Games, prompting the national association, Malaysia Aquatics (MAS), to consider seeking outside assistance. Despite setting a national record and three personal bests, the team failed to win a medal, a first in over two decades. MAS secretary-general Andy Low acknowledged the need for improvement, stating that while the team showed progress, more work was required.\n\nLow emphasized that while there were individuals excelling, the team as a whole required stronger performance. He ruled out a major overhaul of the coaching staff for now, citing the importance of stability for the swimmers. MAS is now focusing on the 2027 SEA Games, setting an initial goal of two gold medals in swimming. The team will be prepared for the SEA Games, with the hosts aiming to ultimately win the overall championship. Additionally, swimmers will participate in more international competitions, including the World Championships in Beijing. The men's 4x200m freestyle team set a national record at the Games, while the diving team surpassed their expected one-bronze target, winning one silver and two bronze medals.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's swimming medal drought at the recent Asian Games has led to the national association, Malaysia Aquatics (MAS), considering “outside” help.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}