The Cambodian Swimming Federation is determined to make waves at the 33rd SEA Games in 2025, despite the exclusion of finswimming—a discipline where the nation previously excelled. Set to take place in Thailand, the games present both challenges and opportunities for Cambodia’s swimming and diving teams.
The absence of finswimming, which earned Cambodia two golds, one silver, and four bronze medals at the 2023 SEA Games, has dampened medal expectations. Hem Kiry, the federation’s secretary-general, expressed regret over the decision, emphasizing its impact on the athletes' ability to demonstrate their growth on a regional platform.
“The exclusion of finswimming makes it harder for us to secure medals at the 2025 SEA Games. Our finswimming team has shown remarkable progress and was well-positioned for success,” Kiry shared on December 31.
Despite the setback, Kiry remains hopeful about the prospects for swimming and diving. Although Cambodia has yet to secure SEA Games medals in these events, he sees promise in both local and overseas-based athletes. Khmer-French swimmer Antoine de Lapparent, a finalist in the 50m and 100m freestyle at the 2023 games, is a top medal contender. Khmer-American diver Lu-Si Minnich, who trains in the US, is also expected to strengthen Cambodia’s chances in diving.
“We’re optimistic about Antoine’s potential in swimming and Lu-Si’s performance in diving. Both athletes are vital to our medal hopes,” Kiry said.
He also highlighted the development of locally trained athletes, whose progress was evident at the 2024 National Swimming and Finswimming Championships on December 28. Funded by the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport, the event served as a key talent-scouting platform for the 2025 SEA Games and the 2029 Asian Youth Games, which Cambodia will host.
With a mix of international talent and homegrown potential, the federation remains committed to striving for success, even in the face of challenges.
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