There are some athletes who race for glory. Then there are those who race for something deeper. Loh Siew May swam into Langkawi Swim Fest 2025 not just as a competitor, but as a quiet revolution.

She finished as the 1st runner-up in the Women’s 8km category, clocking in as one of the top ten swimmers overall. Out of 25 swimmers in the category, only seven were women. Loh noticed that imbalance, not with discouragement, but with determination.

“Langkawi Swim Fest has become a must-join calendar event for me and my team,” she said. “I’m glad I’m starting to be one of the familiar faces in Malaysia’s open water scene. Hopefully, I can inspire more ladies to sign up next year.”

Loh doesn’t just swim. She leads. As a full-time swim coach and founder of her own academy, she is part coach, part mentor, and all grit. Her journey into open water swimming began only in 2022, but since then, she’s built a resume that includes Kapas-Marang, Perhentian Island, and several major long-distance races across the country.

Her real mission, though, is changing the narrative around what women can do in endurance sports. Not just as athletes, but as coaches too.

“I’ve definitely felt underestimated,” she said. “People think women are too emotional or too soft to lead a team. But I’ve learned to stand my ground and prove myself through action. I remind myself that I am a qualified professional.”

What separates Loh from the rest isn’t just her physical strength, but her mental endurance. Long-distance swimming, especially in open water, is as much about patience and resilience as it is about training.

“There are times before the race when doubt creeps in,” she shared. “So I breathe and repeat my mantras. ‘Trust your training. Trust your preparation. Your effort will pay off.’ That helps me get into the right headspace.”

Pushing past what she once believed were her limits has been the key to her growth. She once thought 2km was the furthest she could go. But after challenging herself at Langkawi in 2023, something clicked. She realised her body was capable of more than she ever expected.

In 2024 alone, she won first place in her age group category at the 6.5km Kapas-Marang Swimathon, placed first in her age group in the Langkawi 8km, and won the 16km Perhentian Island Duo Relay with her teammate. Each event unlocked new confidence and deeper purpose.

While she humbly says she doesn’t see herself as a role model, Loh is fully aware of the impact she has on the next generation. She is thoughtful in how she communicates, how she trains, and how she carries herself.

“I try to lead by example, especially for my young swimmers. Whether I’m in the pool, at sea, or just in daily life, I want to show them what discipline and respect look like.”

As a coach, she takes a tailored approach to building confidence in her female swimmers. She praises effort, offers constructive feedback, and reminds them that physical strength isn’t the only deciding factor. She teaches them to believe in their water feel and trust that their training can overcome any opponent, regardless of gender.

Loh also believes there’s value in having more female coaches in the sport. Women understand the physiology, the pacing, and the mindset of young girls in ways that are often overlooked. That kind of guidance, she says, can create more confident, capable swimmers across the board.

Her influence isn’t limited to elite events. She champions inclusive initiatives too, like the “Swim Mom” category at Langkawi Swim Fest, where mothers and children race as a team. It’s a simple idea, but one that encourages bonding and brings more women into the sport.

When asked what legacy she hopes to leave behind, her answer was clear.

“To show everyone that all sports are unisex. There are no sports that are only for one gender.”

When Loh stepped into the ocean at Tanjung Rhu on race day, she wasn’t just swimming 8km. She was leading by example. For her students, her community, and the future of Malaysian open water swimming.

She didn’t just cross the finish line. She opened the door for others to follow.