KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia Aquatics (MAS) have strengthened their long-term performance ambitions by appointing American coach Michael Kinross as head coach of the national swimming team, effective May 1.
Kinross replaces Canadian-Swedish coach Eric Anderson, who stepped down in December following a successful Thailand SEA Games campaign with the national squad.
The American brings with him a strong pedigree in elite athlete development, having previously worked within the University of Pittsburgh’s NCAA Division I programme under head coach Chase Kreitler.
He also spent eight years with the Sandpipers of Nevada, a highly regarded programme led by renowned coach Ron Aitken, widely recognised for producing Olympic-level swimmers.
MAS secretary-general Andy Low said the appointment is the culmination of several years of structured planning aimed at elevating Malaysia’s high-performance swimming system.
“This appointment reflects our commitment to building a truly high-performance system for Malaysian swimming,” Andy told Scoop when contacted.
“We have spent the last three years putting the right structures, pathways and standards in place, and the next step is ensuring we have the right leadership on deck to deliver results.
“Kinross’s experience in developing athletes from junior to international level aligns exactly with what Malaysian swimming needs at this stage. Our focus is clear — to raise standards, strengthen our pipeline, and deliver consistent performances at the SEA Games and beyond.”
Andy added that MAS were highly deliberate in their selection process, with specific criteria guiding their decision.
“We were very specific about what we were looking for — high-performance experience, the ability to develop teenagers into international-level athletes, and someone who values team culture. Kinross meets all of those requirements,” he said.
“What excites me most is his ability to take a teenager and develop them into an internationally competitive swimmer. That is one of the most challenging aspects of coaching, and he has done it consistently.”
Kinross will assume his role as MAS continues to roll out its Malaysia On Track (MOT) system and long-term athlete development framework.
He will work closely with MAS, the National Sports Council (NSC), as well as state associations and club coaches to strengthen the junior-to-elite pathway, raise daily training standards, and foster a stronger high-performance culture ahead of the SEA Games and other major international competitions.
Meanwhile, in a short statement to Scoop, Kinross expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead Malaysia’s national programme.
“I am honoured to accept the opportunity to serve as head coach of the Malaysian national swim team,” he said.
“I am excited to take on this role, help build the programme, and contribute to the continued growth of Malaysian swimming by drawing on the knowledge and experience I have gained throughout my career in competitive swimming.
“I am deeply grateful to Megan Oesting (MAS technical director), MAS, and NSC for their trust and confidence in me.” – April 22, 2026