Brunei Darussalam national swimmer Tiara Shahril Anwar has withdrawn from the Rio 2016 Olympic Scholarship and nomination for the Rio Olympics to focus on her studies months after the awarding by the Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council (BDNOC).

The national swimmer - one of three athletes selected by BDNOC for the prestigious scholarship - has written a letter to the Brunei Amateur Swimming Association (BASA) of her decision to withdraw because her studies has been affected and could no longer put her efforts in training.

"It is with deep regret to inform you that I would formally like to withdraw from the Olympic Scholarship and my nomination for Rio Olympic Games 2016," said Tiara in writing.

Tiara, who accomplished a new national record in the 50m freestyle events in the World Championships in Kazan last year, has revealed she is not "physically ready due to insufficient training and university commitments".

The letter added that the freestyle specialist has initially trained regularly but could not continue due to her busy schedule and classes. During her time there, she has been assigned a swimming club coach whom was neither a personal coach or from her university which made it difficult to attend training regularly as it clashed with her university commitments.

Furthermore, juggling between late training sessions and the competitive academic environment of the American education system compared to Brunei has taken its toll as the swimmer's "grades did not reflect how well she could have done if she completely focus her studies".

The national swimmer said that it is only fair that the nomination to compete in the Olympics should go to an athlete who is fully trained and ready, which neither fits the bill for Tiara.

"I do greatly appreciate being given the opportunity to receive the Olympic Scholarship as well as the nomination to compete in Rio Olympics 2016," added the national swimmer.

BASA President Aziz Latif has also confirmed that Tiara has made the decision to withdraw from the Rio Olympics Scholarship to fully concentrate on her studies.

The other Olympic Scholarship recipients are national athletes Md Fakhri Ismail and Maizurah Abdul Rahim, both who represents the country in athletics.

Tiara's withdrawal may not spell an end to Brunei's Olympic hopes of participation in swimming as national swimmer Christian Nickles is slated for inclusion for the Rio showpiece.

Source:
@BRUDIRECT.COM

by BruDirect.com

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