Varsity Challenge 2024: APU’s Shermann Choong Bags Silver in 100M Butterfly

Shermann Choong Li Sheng demonstrated his swimming prowess at Varsity Swimming Challenge 2024 when he touched the wall in 58.17 seconds, bagging Silver medal in the thrilling Open 100M Butterfly Men’s category and fierce spirit of Malaysia’s student-athletes.

Shermann Choong Li Sheng, a rising star from Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), sliced through the water at the Varsity Swimming Challenge 2024, claiming a hard-fought Silver medal in the thrilling Open 100M Butterfly Men’s category.

This second-year Data Analytics whiz competed with other students from Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT), INTI College Penang, Multimedia University (MMU) Melaka, Sunway University, Taylor’s University, UNITAR International University, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), and Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM); all sending their best swimmers to battle it out.

It was a true testament to the fierce spirit of Malaysia’s student-athletes. They go beyond just winning but show dedication to their sport, the joy of competition, and a constant drive to improve their record and education.

Shermann was not just there for the splash. He touched the wall in an impressive 58.17 seconds at TAR UMT Sport Centre, Kuala Lumpur, showcasing his pure swimming prowess.

But Shermann was not done there. He showcased his versatility by diving into several other events, narrowly missing the podium in the 200M Butterfly (4th place) and the 50M Butterfly (5th place).

He also demonstrated his well-rounded swimming skills with a strong showing in the 100M Freestyle (6th place) and the 50M Freestyle (9th place).

Second from left, Shermann Choong Li Sheng represented APU in the Varsity Swimming Challenge 2024.

This was Shermann’s debut at the Varsity Challenge, and according to him, it was an unforgettable experience.

“Representing APU for the first time filled me with joy,” he said, and “I am definitely up for future competitions where I can represent my university again.”

While he usually trains daily at the National Aquatic Centre Bukit Jalil (except Mondays), Shermann admitted he did not have competition-specific training due to the Varsity Challenge being close on the heels of the MIAG competition.

“I just stuck to my usual routine with my coach,” he said.

Shermann has competed in various competitions over the last 10 years, including PRAKL, PASA, MSSM, MIAG, Malaysia Open, and many others, while representing Penang State in Sukan Malaysia (SUKMA).

He is sure to make even bigger waves in the future. Congratulations Shermann!

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