APU Accounting student-athlete Kelly Teo Yao delivered a stellar performance at the Varsity Swimming Championships 2026 at TAR UMT Aquatic Arena, capturing gold in the Women’s 200m Backstroke (2:42.47) along with two bronzes in the 200m (2:20.65) and 400m Freestyle (5:04.65), highlighting how competing at the varsity level honed her composure under pressure and fostered a sense of discipline that directly enhances her academic life.

In a stunning display of athletic prowess and unyielding composure, Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) student-athlete Kelly Teo Yao delivered a masterclass at the Varsity Swimming Championships 2026, held at the TAR UMT Aquatic Arena in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur. 

The Accounting undergraduate carved through the waters to secure a gold and two hard-earned bronze medals, solidifying her status as a rising force in varsity sports.

Representing APU on multiple occasions, Kelly continues to make the university proud, competing in three demanding events at the championship.

She claimed the ultimate glory in the Women’s 200m Backstroke, touching the wall in a blistering 2:42.47 to seize the gold. 

Demonstrating incredible versatility and endurance, she went on to secure double bronze in both the Women’s 200m Freestyle (2:20.65) and the 400m Freestyle (5:04.65).

Reflecting on her journey to the finals, Kelly noted how her earlier performance at the 7th edition of the Sukan Institusi Pendidikan Tinggi (SUKIPT) 2026 served as a crucial stepping stone.

At SUKIPT, she had conquered intense physical limits to scoop an astonishing three silver medals across the very same trio of events.

“I used SUKIPT to qualify for the grand finals,” she explained, reflecting on the shift in intensity as she transitioned to competing against the nation’s broader pool of university swimmers.

Yet, for Kelly, the victories in the water were only half the battle. The true test lay in conquering the psychological toll of high-stakes competition — an experience that sharpened her resilience both in the pool and inside the lecture hall.

“It taught me to balance pressure on and off the field,” Kelly shared. 

“The discipline I built through training carried directly over into my academics.”

Through sheer discipline, strategic composure, and relentless drive, Kelly Teo Yao not only brought pride to APU but proved that true champions excel by mastering both mind and muscle.

APU congratulates Kelly on her outstanding success and looks forward to her continued achievements both in the pool and in her academic pursuits.