Selangor's Youngest Hope: How Hermann Is Racing His Way Into SUKMA

Selangor's Hermann Bok Yu Tang, just 15, claimed bronze in the Men's 1500m Freestyle final on Day 3, touching in 16:48.44 behind Wilayah Persekutuan's Muhammad Dhuha Bin Zulfikry (15:59.79) and Pulau Pinang's Samuel Chong Weng Lai (16:39.06) — one of the youngest swimmers on the Selangor squad standing on a SUKMA podium.

When Hermann found out he'd been selected for the Selangor SUKMA squad, the news landed as both a thrill and a surprise. He knew he'd likely be one of the youngest swimmers on the team — he hadn't fully expected the call. What followed was pride, motivation, and the support of the people who'd gotten him there.

"I felt really happy and proud when I found out," he said. "I was excited because representing Selangor is a big opportunity. I did not fully expect it because I knew I would be one of the youngest swimmers. At the same time, I felt motivated to prove that I could compete at this level." His family and coaches, he added, were there behind him the whole way.

Racing Older, Learning Faster

Hermann knew exactly what he was walking into — a field stacked with swimmers older and more experienced than him. Rather than let that weigh on him, he chose to treat it as an education.

"I know the competition will be tougher because many swimmers are older and more experienced," he said. "I am trying not to focus too much on their age or experience. I am focusing on my own race, pacing and technique." He reminded himself he'd earned his spot on the team, and saw every race against a more seasoned swimmer as "a chance to learn and gain experience" — a way to "stay calm and confident instead of putting too much pressure" on himself.

Building for the Long Haul

That mindset extended into the pool at PADE-Supersharkz, where his training shifted noticeably in the SUKMA build-up — longer sets, more endurance work, and a sharpened focus on pacing.

"My training has included longer sets and maintaining a consistent pace," he said. "I have also been working on my stamina and pacing strategy. The training can be tiring, but I know it is important for long-distance races." The goal, as he put it, was simple: hold his speed all the way to the finish, not just the middle of the race — a plan that paid off on the podium.

Stepping Up With the State Squad

Training alongside the Selangor state squad had been its own adjustment — a step up in intensity from his usual environment at PADE-Supersharkz.

"The biggest difference is training with swimmers from different clubs and backgrounds," he said. "The state squad has a higher level of competition because everyone is preparing for SUKMA. Training with stronger and more experienced swimmers pushes me to work harder." Faster sessions, tougher sets, and fresh input from new coaches and teammates — all of it, he says, made him "more comfortable competing at a higher level."

Before the Race

In the days before his first SUKMA race, Hermann's answer was equal parts nerves and excitement — with a clear head above it all.

"I think I will feel nervous and excited at the same time," he said beforehand. "I will probably be thinking about staying calm and sticking to my race plan. Representing Selangor will make the moment very special for me." He'd already pictured the walkout, the crowd, the weight of the occasion — and decided how he wanted to meet it: "I want to enjoy the experience rather than focus only on the result. My main goal is to give my best and finish the race knowing I gave everything I could."

Watching the Best to Become Better

For technique and mentality, Hermann looks to two of the sport's current standard-bearers: Leon Marchand and David Popovici.

"I admire their endurance, discipline and consistency," he said. "I like watching how they pace themselves when they always race. I try to learn how they control their speed throughout the race." It's their composure under pressure, he says, that he wants most to carry into his own swimming — "their mentality during difficult parts of the race is something I want to learn from."

A Different Kind of Big Stage

Hermann had already raced at the SEA Age Groups, MSSM, and the Asian Youth Games — but SUKMA, he said, carried a different weight entirely.

"SUKMA feels different because I am representing my state, not just competing in my own age group," he said. "Racing in front of a Malaysian crowd makes it feel more personal and meaningful." With family, friends, and the wider Selangor community there in support, it was, he said, "another important step" in a swimming journey that's still just getting started.

The Final Lap

"On the final lap, I was trying to stay focused and not think too much about the result," he said. "But when I realized I was in a position to podium, I started telling myself to keep pushing and finish strong. I was tired, but knowing that a medal was within reach gave me another boost."

A Medal That Means More

"This medal feels really special because it's my first SUKMA medal," he said. "I've raced many times before, but this felt different because of the level of competition and the atmosphere." The moment he touched the wall, his focus went straight to the stands. "The first thing I did was look towards my family and coaches in the crowd. Seeing them there made the moment even more meaningful because they've supported me throughout my training."

Looking Ahead

Beyond SUKMA, Hermann's sights are already set further out — national and international competition, and, eventually, Malaysia's colours on the SEA Games stage.

"One of my goals is to represent Malaysia at the SEA Games in the future," he said. "I want to keep improving my long-distance events while developing other parts of my swimming. For now, I want to take things step by step and continue working hard." His long-term goal, he says plainly: "to reach the highest level I can in swimming."