Chasing medals, one lap at a time.
Jayden Tan Khai Xin is a 20-year-old Malaysian swimmer in the National Team who has rapidly ascended the national swimming ranks, specializing in the 400m individual medley (IM) and freestyle events.
His journey began in Kuala Lumpur, where his early passion for swimming was nurtured through rigorous training and dedication. Over the past five years, Jayden has consistently demonstrated his prowess in the pool, earning accolades and setting records that underscore his commitment to the sport.
His most recent achievement came at the 2025 Malaysia Open, where he clinched gold in the 400m IM, setting a new meet record (4.26.44s) and reaffirming his status as one of Malaysia’s premier swimmers.
Jayden’s journey from local competitions to international arenas exemplifies his relentless pursuit of excellence and his role as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring swimmers across the nation.
Below is his story:
What inspired you to pursue swimming competitively, and how did your early experiences shape your career?
I initially learnt to swim as a survival skill, but my first coach recognised my talent and encouraged me to try competitive swimming.
I was brought up to focus on honing my technique and learning the fundamentals of swimming before attempting other areas.
Can you describe the training regimen that led to your national record in the 400m individual medley at the 2023 SEA Games?
In addition to 3 gym sessions, I trained about 10 swimming sessions per week, each lasting roughly 6-7 km.
How did it feel to represent Malaysia at the 2024 World Aquatics Championships in Doha, and what were your key takeaways from that experience?
Representing my nation on the world’s largest stage is always an honour, and I’m grateful for the opportunity.
What challenges did you face when attempting to break your own national record at the World Championships, and how did you cope with them?
Regardless of the outcome, I always aim to give it my all since I know that I will always learn something new from my race I would make an effort to keep my sights on my own race and not worry too much about others.
At the 2025 Malaysia Open Swimming Championships, you achieved a significant milestone by setting a new meet record of 4.26.44s in the 400 IM. Can you share what this accomplishment means to you?
Being able to compete in the Sea Games and World Championships is always fantastic, and it is always a privilege to represent my nation. Those were my primary objectives going into this meet, and it feels great to have accomplished them.
How do you maintain consistency and motivation throughout the competitive season, especially when preparing for major events?
I find that discipline is more important than motivation itself It’s not a matter of whether you want to do it but whether you have to do it.
What role has your coaching team played in your development, and how have they influenced your performance over the years?
I find that the coaching and training environment plays a huge role. You have to enjoy coming to training rather than having it feel like a burden or something that feels forced to do.
How do you balance your academic pursuits with the demands of being a national-level athlete?
It’s never really easy to balance both, it takes a lot of discipline, but I believe there must be a balance between work and fun as well. You would have to spend your time wisely and plan out beforehand to find the balance.
What are your short-term and long-term goals in swimming, and how do you plan to achieve them?
My current short term goals are to keep improving. As for my long term it is to medal in SEA Games once again.
What advice would you give to young aspiring swimmers in Malaysia who look up to your achievements?
I would recommend knowing and understanding when the right time to really begin to put in the work. I believe at a younger age you should take your time and truly enjoy the sport rather than overworking and burning out in the long run.
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