National swimmers need at least four years to excel at a high level - coach

National swimming coach Paul Birmingham believes Malaysian swimmers require at least four more years to perform better at a higher level.

Birmingham said as for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Malaysians need to temper their expectation and understand that it would be a big step for the swimmers.

Malaysia earned Olympic slots through Welson Sim in the 200m and 400m Freestyle and Phee Jinq En in the women's 100m breaststroke.

"This is the big step for them, they need to deal with the training, pressure and a lot of stuff. I think the most important thing that I want for them is having to come out and value the experience, be ready to move on to build potential for the next four years.

"It is not realistic if I expect more for this year's Olympic Games. I don't want to set any expectation for the moment. What is realistic is that they go there and practice what they need in four years," he told reporters at the National Sports Council (NSC), here.

Birmingham said both swimmers were still young and have a good opportunity in the Asian Games or Commonwealth Games.

Before they compete in Rio, Welson Sim and Phee would undergo a 10-day training stint in Florida, United States since the time zone and weather in Brazil and Florida are similar.

"We need them to be calm and most importantly be supportive because both of them would be feeling very nervous and they feel it there is no way of getting around but we need to support them no matter what.

"I can assure you that they have been training extremely hard...we have been doing everything we can," said Birmingham.