Esmelda emerges as junior gymnastics champ

Esmelda Arecia Menti Alfred Geling of Sarawak emerged as the junior champion of the 28th National Artistic Gymnastics Championships on Sunday with a haul of five gold medals and one bronze. - Filepic

KUALA LUMPUR: Sarawak’s Esmelda Arecia Menti Alfred Geling emerged as the women’s junior champion after a commanding performance in the 28th National Artistic Gymnastics Championships on Sunday.

The 13-year-old pocketed an impressive five golds and one bronze. Esmelda topped the competition in the vault (12.900), balance beam (12.70), uneven bars (11.25), individual all-around (49.15) as well as the team event with Nur Amirah Idayah, Syahsani Izzati, Dewi Nisrina and Kameliana Goh.

Esmelda’s only blemish came in the floor exercise. She suffered a fall in her routine and it cost her dearly. She ended up with a score of 11.70 points to finish third behind Selangor’s Nur Azira Aziri (11.90) and Penang’s Rachel Yeoh (11.80).

“I’m very happy. I wanted to do my best and although it was not a clean sweep, I’m still happy with my performance,” said Kuching-born Esmelda after the competition at Gym 3 at the National Sports Council (NSC) in Bukit Jalil.

In the women’s senior category, Selangor’s Letitia Ng was crowned the new national champion. The 18-year-old won all the five golds, winning the balance beam (9.50), floor exercise (10.10), uneven bars (8.00), vault (11.650) and individual all-around (39.90).

The competition, however, was overshadowed by the fact that it only had three competitors. Besides Letitia, the other participants were Sabah’s Siti Shafira Atika Mohd Fazli and Jussrieyana Ahmad Dafriy. National gymnasts – Farah Ann Abdul Hadi, Tracie Ang, Tan Ing Yueh and Nur Eli Elina Azmi – were absence due to injuries.

It was Letitia’s biggest medal haul and she said it felt weird to have so many medals around her neck.

“I didn’t know only the three of us would be competing,” said Letitia. “Winning like this is bittersweet. I would have preferred to compete against a bigger field,” added the Taylor’s University Canadian pre-university student.

In the men’s competition, NSC’s Chen Guo Jun took the senior title after clinching four golds (floor exercise, rings, parallel bars and all-around individual) and a bronze (horizontal bars).

Selangor’s Benjamin Cheong landed the men’s junior title with four golds in the parallel bars, pommel horse, rings and all-around individual.

http://www.thestar.com.my/Sport/Gymnastics/2013/11/17/Esmelda-emerges-as-junior-gymnastics-champ/

Marina manfaat sukan zaman remaja

• Marina Chin

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NAMA Marina Chin tidak perlu diperkenalkan lagi dalam arena sukan ranah air. Meskipun lebih 30 tahun berlalu, lagenda yang mencipta gelaran ratu pecut dan lari berpagar dalam sukan olahraga ini meraih banyak rekod sukan yang mengagumkan.

Pengetua Sekolah Sukan Bukit Jalil ini tidak pernah terduga bakal terlibat dalam dunia sukan sekali gus menyandang gelaran olahragawati Malaysia, namun, menyedari diri berkebolehan dalam bidang ini, beliau memutuskan untuk memanfaatkan zaman remajanya demi mengharumkan nama negara.

Dalam masa sama, keghairahan mengejar cita-cita sebagai cikgu tidak pernah luntur dan dikejar, meskipun terlalu sibuk dengan jadual latihan sukan dan pertandingan.
"Penglibatan dalam sukan telah membantu dalam pembangunan karakter saya. Sebelum menceburi bidang sukan, saya pemalu. Sukan mengajar saya pelbagai nilai murni yang tidak dapat dipelajari daripada buku sahaja.

“Cita-cita dan tanggungjawab kepada negara berjalan seiring. Saya gembira kerana saya memperoleh kedua-duanya. Sebab itu, selepas mengambil alih sebagai pengetua saya terapkan nilai keseimbangan antara sukan dan akademik kepada pelajar-pelajar." kata bekas cikgu Pendidikan Jasmani dan Bahasa Inggeris ini.


Cabaran tadbir sekolah sukan

Sistem pembelajaran sekolah sukan sama seperti sekolah biasa yang menyenaraikan mata pelajaran wajib. Mereka diberikan fleksibiliti menerusi pembelajaran berdasarkan modul, di mana pelajar boleh membawa modul itu ke mana-mana mereka pergi termasuk ketika latihan atau temasya luar negara.

Ternyata, pendekatan diambil Marina membolehkan 467 pelajarnya menyusun waktu belajar lebih sistematik.

“Waktu belajar juga fleksibel. Pada malam Isnin, Selasa dan Rabu ada kelas malam dari jam 8.30 hingga 9.50 malam. Sabtu Ahad juga akan ada kelas gantian.

Pelajar yang terlibat dengan kejohanan pula akan diberi kelonggaran mengambil peperiksaan sebelum atau selepas kejohanan. Tiada pengecualian. Malah, sekiranya kejohanan di luar negara, pihak sekolah akan aturkan guru untuk pergi ke tempat latihan mereka agar tidak ketinggalan dalam pelajaran,” katanya.


Anugerah sukan dan akademik peringkat sekolah

Ditanya bagaimana beliau mendorong para pelajarnya memperoleh keputusan cemerlang dalam kedua-dua bidang, Marina berkata, sekolah menyediakan anugerah bulanan dan tahunan.

“Sekolah juga bekerjasama dengan Persatuan Ibu Bapa dan Guru (PIBG) mengadakan majlis Anugerah Gemilang yang diadakan setiap tahun.” katanya.

Bagi pelajar yang mewakili Malaysia dan wakil negeri dalam Sukan Malaysia (SUKMA) juga diberikan ganjaran lain. Bagi Marina, ini adalah perubahan mengikut zaman.

“Zaman saya dulu semuanya sendirian berhad. Nak pergi latihan pun kena duit sendiri. Inisiatif sendiri. Tapi semangat bersukan tu tinggi jadi kami tak pentingkan soal kewangan. Selagi boleh sara sendiri, saya sara diri sendiri. Ada masanya bapa turut membantu. Pada zaman sekarang tak boleh.

" Saya ingin berterima kasih kepada jenama korporat seperti MILO kerana banyak memberi sumbangan kepada kanak-kanak Malaysia untuk berjaya dalam bidang sukan.Sokongan yang diberikan oleh MILO turut membantu membakar semangat pelajar kami untuk terus berjaya dalam sukan,” sambungnya.


Zaman kanak-kanak paling indah

Berkongsi cerita di zaman kanak-kanaknya, Marina dengan mesra berkata, beliau bercita-cita menjadi cikgu dan kerana itulah sejak kecil, beliau selalu menjadi cikgu kepada kawan-kawan sekampung di Sentul, Kuala Lumpur.

“Masa kecil saya memang tomboi sedikit. Tubuh badan saya tinggi dan besar dari rakan sebaya dan budak lelaki. Waktu petang kami selalu main cikgu-cikgu dan saya akan jadi cikgu untuk ajar budak-budak lain. Lepas main cikgu-cikgu kami main lumba lari. Masa tu kawan-kawan perempuan tak lari sepantas saya jadi saya selalu bersaing dengan budak-budak lelaki. Kami berlari dari satu pokok ke satu pokok untuk lawan siapa menang,” katanya disusuli ketawa.

Ternyata, kenangan zaman kanak-kanaknya begitu manis untuk dikenang. Begitu juga zaman remaja yang mana sebahagiannya dimanfaatkan dengan memenuhi jadual latihan. Semangat dan keinginan untuk mengharumkan nama negara itu menjadi matlamatnya yang paling utama.

“Terus terang sebagai atlet Malaysia saya amat serius dengan sukan. Saya sanggup korban banyak perkara termasuk pergaulan dengan kawan-kawan. Saya tak ada teman lelaki. Dan saya tak ada masa nak layan orang yang kacau-kacau saya.

“Selepas tamat tingkatan lima saya menyambung pengajian di Maktab Perguruan Seri Kota, Kuala Lumpur sebelum mengajar di Sekolah Menengah Perempuan Jalan Ampang pada 1976.

“Ketika itu saya masih ingat, saya mengajar sesi petang jadi sebelah pagi saya akan naik dua bas dari Sentul ke Kampung Pandan untuk sesi latihan berlari. Saya mandi dan bersiap di sana kemudian naik dua bas lagi untuk ke sekolah di Ampang. Begitulah rutin harian saya sehingga bapa belikan kereta pada tahun kedua saya jadi cikgu.


Berhenti jadi atlet?

Ditanya adakah gelaran atlet telah memberikan pengaruh besar kepada pelajar-pelajarnya, Marina berkata, ia pernah berlaku

“Saya mengajar Bahasa Inggeris dan Pendidikan Jasmani. Semasa saya menang pingat di Sukan Sea 1977, saya disambut dengan sebilangan pelajar perempuan  memotong rambut ala rambut saya. Saya betul-betul terharu dan tak sangka ada kelab peminat,” katanya

Pemilik wajah cantik yang menjadi rebutan ramai jejaka ini dikhabarkan tidak lagi meneruskan karier selepas melanjutkan pelajaran ke Amerika Syarikat pada 1980, Marina bagaimanapun menafikan.

“Saya masih training dan wakil universiti. Pada 1980 sepatutnya kita pergi ke OLIMPIK tapi Malaysia boikot sebab Rusia masuk Afganistan jadi tak balik Malaysia untuk sebarang kejohanan besar. Pada 1981 saya ke Jepun dan mewakili Malaysia dalam Asia Track & Field dan dapat pingat emas dalam 4 x 400 meter. Kerana alami kecederaan saya tak dapat masuk sukan SEA,” kata graduan Sarjana Muda Sains dan Sarjana Kesusasteraan bidang Pengurusan Sukan ini dari Ohio State University ini.

Marina menyumbang khidmatnya di Kementerian Pendidikan, selain terlibat sebagai aktivis dalam usaha memartabatkan sukan Malaysia.

Pesanan Marina kepada pelajar-pelajar agar sentiasa konsisten dan tidak perlu memilih antara sukan dan pelajaran.

“Lakukan kedua-duanya dengan keyakinan dan pengorbanan tinggi. Saya yakin anda mampu mengembalikan kegemilangan Malaysia dalam sukan sepertimana suatu ketika dahulu,” katanya.

INFO PENCAPAIAN

- March 1972, Marina memperbaharui rekod kebangsaan acara 200 meter dengan catatan 26.6 saat, 0.2 saat mengatasi rekod lama pada Kejohanan Allcomers Persatuan Olahraga Amatur Selangor di Stadium Merdeka.

- Pingat Perak lari berpagar 400 meter Kejohanan Olahraga Asia di Seoul, Korea Selatan.

- September 1972 sekali lagi memperbaharui rekod kebangsaan, acara lari berpagar 100 meter dengan catatan 15.2 saat, serta acara 400 meter lari berpagar dengan catatan 64.9 saat di Kejohanan Olahraga Terbuka Singapura.

- Meraih emas acara 100 meter lari berpagar dengan catatan 15.3 saat Kejohanan Olahraga Jemputan Filipina di Manila.

- Memperbaharui rekod kebangsaan dengan catatan 28.4 saat dalam acara lari berpagar 200 meter pada Kejohanan Olahraga Terbuka Malaysia di Alor Star, Kedah pada Ogos 1976.

- Dinobatkan selaku Olahragawati Kebangsaan dan Selangor untuk dua tahun berturut-turut, 1976 dan 1977.

- Sukan Sea 1977, Marina meraih emas berganda acara 100 dan 200 meter, dan hampir menyamai pencapaian sifunya, M Rajamani dengan meraih emas ketiga jika tidak gara-gara kerana kesilapan pengadilan.

- Pada 1979 pula, gandingan Marina bersama Saik Oik Cum, V.Angamah dan Zaiton Othman menghadiahkan Malaysia pingat Perak acara 4x400 meter pada Kejohanan Antarabangsa Trek & Padang Asia Tokyo.

- Emas acara lari berpagar 100 meter, dan 4x400 meter pada Kejohanan Sukan Sea ke-10 Jakarta.

http://www.sinarharian.com.my/personaliti/marina-manfaat-sukan-zaman-remaja-1.221724

Gymnast Rachel in peak form for nationals

Rachel Yeoh, who won three gold medals at the SportExcel Artistic Gymnastics Championships on Saturday, will be looking to excel again at the National Championships on Sunday. - The STAR/ Samuel Ong

KUALA LUMPUR: The SportExcel Artistic Gymnastics Championships served as a good warm-up for national elite gymnast Rachel Yeoh ahead of the national championships which take place on Sunday.

On Saturday, Rachel, who competed in the Class Three and Four category swept up the gold in her favourite event, the uneven bars, with a score of 8.60 ahead of Selangor’s Nor Azira Aziri (8.40) and Pahang’s Siti Nur Bahirah Husniah (6.55). She also emerged tops in the floor exercise and the individual all-round event, but had to settle for silver and bronze in vault and balance beam respectively.

“I’m happy with my result ... but I want to do even better for the nationals tomorrow (Sunday),” said Rachel when met at Gym 3 of the National Sports Council in Bukit Jalil.

The 15-year-old Penangite and double bronze medallist from this year’s Sukma Games will compete in the junior category of the nationals against those aged 15 and younger, including Sarawak’s Esmelda Arecia Menti Alfred Geling who took the Games by storm after winning two gold medals, three silver and a bronze.

However, Rachel, who will be eligible to compete at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, in July and at the Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea, in September will have bigger things on her mind as she focuses on qualifying for her first major event.

National women’s artistic gymnastics head coach Nurul Fatiha Abdul Hamid who has taken Rachel under her wing since the Sukma Games in June said the youngster has shown much promise.

“Rachel has been training under me for the past five, six months and she’s really starting to take shape. I’m happy with how she did today, but I’m hoping she can improve on her performance and really go for it at the nationals tomorrow,” said Nurul Fatiha.

Meanwhile in the SportExcel Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships, 13-year-old Izzah Amzan did just enough to clinch the individual all-round title after she managed to bag one gold (ball), one silver (clubs) and one bronze (ribbon) as she bested her nearest rivals and national development squad team-mates with a combined score of 56.800. Olivia Tai took the silver with 56.516 while Koi Sie Yan was third with 55.816.

http://www.thestar.com.my/Sport/Gymnastics/2013/11/16/Gymnast-Rachel-in-peak-form-for-nationals/

Former Champion Nurul Puts Artistry Back In Gymnasts

PETALING JAYA: Former gymnast Nurul Fatiha Abdul Hamid has proved that a local coach can also produce results in international tournaments.

Just a few days ago, she passed her first test as the head coach of the women’s elite artistic team with flying colours when her charges, led by the diminutive Tracie Ang, swept four gold medals in the Singapore Open from June 15-17.

Besides Tracie, the other medal winners were the talented Tan Ing Yueh, Farah Ann Abdul Hadi and Nur Eli Ellina Abdul Hadi.

It was the artistic team’s first major success in two years as several of them had been plaqued with injuries since the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou.

Nurul, who in her reign as the queen of artistic gymnastics had won gold in the 2001, 2003, 2005 and 2007 SEA Games, took over the hot seat from Russia’s Mikhail Gutsalyuk in February and her first goal was to restore the confidence of her charges.

The team’s morale was low as there was dissatisfaction with Gutsalyuk’s training methods. Injuries were a problem and even resulted in top gymnasts like Cheong See Teng and Chan Sau Wah calling it quits.

What made the outing of Nurul’s squad special was that, in some events, her charges did even better than London Olympics-bound Lim Heem Wei of Singapore. None of the Malaysian gymnasts qualified for the Games.

The 26-year-old Nurul was overwhelmed with the positive start to her coaching career and paid tribute to her charges for defying the odds.

“For almost a year, none of our gymnasts were given the opportunity to compete in international tournaments as most of them were nursing some kind of injury. This time, they put up fine performances to show their potential,” said Nurul.

“We went with hope of winning two gold medals but they surpassed all expectations. They executed their routines with confidence and finesse. These gymnasts persevered and showed their strong desire to succeed. They deserve a big pat on their back for not giving up hope.”

Nurul, however, conceded that there were many challenges ahead.

“It was a good start and a good experience for the girls and me. But I can’t be satisfied with this achievement alone. We still have a long way to go. There are many areas that we need to improve,” she said.

The national team’s next assignment is the Asean Schools meet in Indonesia, beginning June 28, and Nurul is keeping her fingers crossed for some of her girls, who are eligible for the competition, to keep the momentum going.

The top performer in Singapore was Tracie, who won the individual all-around title and the uneven bars. Ing Yueh was equally outstanding as she contributed gold medals in the vault and floor exercise.

RESULTS

(Malaysians unless stated)
Individual all-around: 1. Tracie Ang 50.050, 2. Lim Heem Wei (Sin) 49.650, 3. Nur Eli Ellina Azmi 45.650.

Vault: 1. Tan Ing Yueh 12.85, 2. Nur Eli Ellina Azmi 12.10, 3. Rita Ariska (Ina) 10.98

Uneven bars: 1. Tracie Ang 12.6, 2. Farah Ann Abdul Hadi 11.5, 3. Lim Heem Wei (Sin) 10.15

Balance beam: 1, Lim Heem Wei (Sin) 13.40, 2. Tracie Ang 12.80, 3. Foo En Ning (Sin) 12.05

Floor Exercise: 1. Tan Ing Yueh 12.60, 2. Lim Heem Wei (Sin) 12.05, 3. Tracie Ang 11.10

National Artistic Gymnastics Teams To Be Disbanded And New Coaches Brought In

KUALA LUMPUR: The national artistic gymnastics teams are set to be disbanded and new coaches roped in to develop fresh talent.

These are some of the drastic measures set to be implemented when the powers-that-be meet on Dec 18 to check the rot – following the men’s and women’s artistic teams dismal showing at the recent SEA Games in Indonesia.

China’s former chief coach Gao Jian and instructors from Romania may be hired to nurture and produce a new crop of calibre gymnasts.

In Palembang, the lack of depth in the men’s and women’s teams stood out like a sore thumb as all of them failed to make an impact.

Malaysia had never before failed to win a gold medal in the event at the regional Games but, this time, the artistic gymnasts returned home with their pride bruised and image battered.

The men’s team were probably the biggest letdown. Despite undergoing several training stints in China over the past year, none justified the big bucks spent on them by the National Sports Council (NSC).

A slew of injuries to potential gymnasts also slowed their progress. But it is debatable whether the injuries were caused by the coaches pushing the gymnasts too hard or related to weight issues.

A year ago, the Malaysian Gymnastics Federation (MGF) had been on the verge of engaging Gao Jian, the man behind China’s golden gymnastics triumph at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, to oversee the national squad’s training. Unfortunately, the plan fell through due to financial constraints.

MGF secretary N. Shanmugarajah said yesterday that it was time to look at alternative ways to revive the artistic teams’ fortunes.

“Our exco meeting next week will look into ways to improve standards. We can’t go on doing the same thing as it obviously isn’t working. We have to come up with other ideas and submit our plans to the NSC,” he said.

“Gao Jian has a wealth of experience and is no longer with the China national team. We could certainly use his services. If we manage to hire him as our chief coach, he will be given a free hand to chart the course of the artistic teams.

“Romania has also informed us that it is prepared to provide coaches.”

Shanmugarajah said it was also time to review the status of the national gymnasts.

“Those without a future will have to go. There are plans to open up new training centres in different states. We will absorb new talents into the national squad,” he said.

“Our programmes will have to be geared towards preparing a solid team for the 2016 Olympic Games.”

The men’s team to the SEA Games comprised Mohd Irwan Miskob, Mohd Akmal Hakim, Mohd Azlan­shah Ismail, Lum Wan Foong, Hairi Zaid and Mohd Hamzahruddin Nordin.

The women were Farah Ann Hadi, Noor Hasleen Fatihin Hasnan, Nur Ily Ilyana Azmi and Tracie Ang. Of the four, Farah did well to win a silver medal despite being injured. But, overall, it was a disastrous outing.

Malaysian gymnastics has clearly lost its artistry.

Not That Bad A Show Considering All The Injuries

PALEMBANG: No gold medals for the first time since the 1985 SEA Games in Bangkok is generally seen as a failure for Malaysian gymnastics.

On Monday, Malaysia’s best hope for a gold, artistic gymnast Farah Ann Hadi, suffered a recurrence of an old thigh injury during the individual all-around and could only finish fifth while team-mate Nur Eli Ellina placed sixth.

Vietnam’s Thi Ha Thanh won the gold while compatriot Thi Ngan Thuong Do took the silver.

A day later, the 17-year-old Farah failed to finish among the medals in her pet event, finishing fourth in the floor exercise.

She did, however, grab a silver on the uneven bars, the same apparatus which caused her injury, while Nur Eli denied another Vietnamese 1-2 when she took silver in the balance beam.

The Malaysian men fared even worse, placing fifth out of six teams.

However, the national squad have been plagued by injury and were severely weakened even before the Games started.

Top rhythmic gymnast Lee Wan Nin was ruled out just days before the Games while the women’s artistic team were already without the likes of Chan Sau Wah, gold medallist in Korat 2007, and Cheong See Teng, who retired prematurely due to persistent injuries.

Top gymnast Tracie Ang arrived at the Games half-fit heaping all the pressure on Farah, Nur Eli and Noor Hasleen Fatih.

With only three fit gymnasts, Malay­sia could not compete in the team event. Perhaps if they had five gymnasts in the team, instead of just four, it could have allowed for a bit of rotation and rest for Farah, Nur Eli and Hasleen and a better shot at gold.

The men too showed fighting spirit despite suffering injuries throughout the Games. Mohd Hamzaruddin Nordin, 18, had a bad fall during the floor exercise but bravely returned to compete in the pommel horse before the injury took its toll on him.

So two silvers are not too bad considering the injury jinx that dogged the squad.

SEA GAMES: Girls Keep Medals Ticking

FARAH Ann Hadi and Nur Eli Ellina Azmi saved Malaysia the blushes in artistic gymnastics when they secured a silver medal each in the women's individual apparatus finals at Jakabaring Sports Complex yesterday.

An injury sustained on Monday hampered Farah's performance but she was able to score 12.375 points in the uneven bars to finish second to Vietnam's Do Thi Ngan Thuong who scored 12.900m.

Indonesia's Nefy Nurbaety was third (12.175).

Eli, 16, also surprised with a silver in the balance beam scoring 12.075 where again Ngan Thuong denied Malaysia the gold with a score of 12.300.

The bronze went to Vietnam's Thi Ha Thanh (12.050).

Farah also competed in the floor exercise but finished fourth.

"I came here with high hopes so I am disappointed to have not won a gold. I have some consolation as I have at least silver," said Farah.

"I would have done better if not for the injury. Floor exercise is my favourite event but I couldn't do well but I aim to do better in the next Games."

Eli was also happy to win a medal in her Sea Games debut.

"My target was actually to win gold and I came close in the balance beam which is my favourite event," said Eli.

"It was a very good experience competing here."

Read more: SEA GAMES: Girls keep medals ticking - Other - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/sports/other/sea-games-girls-keep-medals-ticking-1.6586#ixzz1dqDWFxjf

Bad Landing In Uneven Bars Costs Our Best Bet Farah Dearly

PALEMBANG: A bad landing in the uneven bars not only aggravated her thigh injury but also resulted in Malaysia’s best bet - Farah Ann Hadi - finishing a disappointing fifth in the individual all-around final yesterday.

The 17-year-old Farah went into the competition in buoyant mood after finishing third overall in the qualifying event on Sunday with the boisterous Indonesian crowd behind her.

She started well in the vault apparatus, scoring a 12.350. But the injury from the uneven bars saw her score on the beam apparatus hit a low 11.034.

Crowd favourite: Malaysia’s Farah Ann Hadi competing in the uneven bars in the all-around final Monday.

She only managed 12.200 in the floor exercise, a far cry from the 12.567 she garnered during the qualifiers. Still, the sweet-smiling Farah managed to put on a brave front, saying she was confident of doing well in the individual events which begin today.

“It’s really disappointing because I started well and had high hopes for the beam and floor exercise,” said Farah.

“It’s an old injury and it’s really painful now ... I can’t really walk much.

“I guess it’s bad luck and my fault that I didn’t even pick up a medal, but I will try to win the gold from the individual floor exercise.”

Farah qualified for three individual finals – balancing beam, uneven bars and floor exercise – but she may only contest the floor exercise while Tracie Ang and Noor Hasleen Fatih compete in the other two.

Thi Ha Than and Thi Ngan Thuo gave a flawless performance as they danced their way to a glorious 1-2 finish for Vietnam.

Commonwealth Games silver medallist Lim Heem Wei settled for bronze.

In the men’s event, both Malaysians – Danniel Iskandar Richard and Hairi Said Ahmad Saruji – only managed eighth and ninth respectively.

Thailand’s Rartchawat Kaewpan claimed the gold while Vietnam’s Pham Phuoc Hung and Hoang Cung took silver and bronze respectively.

SEA GAMES: Injury Denies Farah Medal

A recurrence of an old injury cost Farah Ann Hadi a medal in the women's individual all-around final in artistic gymnastics yesterday.

Farah suffered the injury to her thigh while executing her second routine, the uneven bars, but completed the balance beam and floor exercise to score 47.534 to finish fifth.

The score was a far cry from the 50.084 she scored in the team competition on Sunday but Farah took disappointment in her stride and vowed to at least win a medal in her favourite event, the floor exercise, in the individual apparatus finals today.

Nur Eli Ellina Azmi finished sixth on 46.084.

"I had suffered the injury in Kuala Lumpur but it was healing and I was confident after my good performance in the team event. It was really disappointing that I was unable to win a medal," said Farah.

"I felt good in my first routine in the vault but suffered the injury in the uneven bars and fell during the balance beam routine. That was my mistake and it cost me points. I was in pain but managed to complete the floor exercise," she added.

"I have qualified for the beam, uneven bars and floor tomorrow (today) and I will compete in all three despite the pain. I want to win a medal and come back stronger for the next Games."

Read more: SEA GAMES: Injury denies Farah medal - Other - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/sports/other/sea-games-injury-denies-farah-medal-1.6107#ixzz1djvxKwcL

Sea Games: Wan Nin Blow For Malaysia

MALAYSIA'S hopes of landing the rhythmic gymnastics individual all-round gold medal evaporated when Lee Wan Nin was ruled out of the Sea Games after hurting her knee in a freak training incident.

   Wan Nin's absence means Malaysia will not have a representative in rhythmic gymnastics in Palembang with no chance of naming a replacement this close to the start of the Games tomorrow.

 National Sports Council director-general Datuk Zolkples Embong confirmed Wan Nin's injury when met after a dinner reception for the football team on Tuesday.

  "We received a report saying Wan Nin suffered an injury during training in Kuala Lumpur. Apparently, she has dislocated a knee joint," Zolkples told reporters.

   "This is a big loss to the national contingent as we were counting on Wan Nin to deliver a gold medal. It's very unfortunate and that's why I have stressed to athletes to take care of their health before a major event.

   "I hope Wan Nin recovers in time for the Olympic qualification next year."

   Zolkples, however, stressed that the loss of Wan Nin would not affect the official target of 40-45 gold medals.

  "No, it does not change anything. We should still reach the target," he added.

Read more: Sea Games: Wan Nin blow for Malaysia - Other - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/sports/other/sea-games-wan-nin-blow-for-malaysia-1.3172#ixzz1dviUOqy4

More Woes For Wan Nin As She Is Kneed Out Of Games

PETALING JAYA: Misfortune continues to dog top rhythmic gymnast Lee Wan Nin as she has been ruled out of the SEA Games.

Yesterday, the 16-year dislocated her knee cap during a training session and will be out of action for at least 10 days.

It is certainly a big blow for gymnastics as Wan Nin, who is making a comeback after a back injury picked up at the World Championships in Paris in September, had a chance to challenge for a gold medal in her first SEA Games.

With her withdrawal, Malaysia will not have any representative in the rhythmic gymnastics.

Wan Nin: Dislocated her knee cap during training.

Team manager Petrina Low said that Wan Nin would now concentrate on her preparation for the Test Series in London in January. The top five in London will get a ticket to represent the country at the Olympic Games next year.

”It is unfortunate that this has happened to Wan Nin. She certainly cannot compete in the Games in this condition. But it is all right as the Test Series is more important,” said Petrina.

”She has time to recover and get back into top shape to mount a creditable showing in the Test Series.

“We hope she will not be bugged by injuries again.”

Farah Hopes To Floor Her Rivals For Gold Medal

KUALA LUMPUR: If not for artistic gymnastics, winsome Farah Ann Hadi would have been a dancer.

“I love dancing. It enables me to express myself. Maybe that is why the floor exercise is my favourite as it allows me to be creative. I would be over the moon if I could win the gold in my pet event,” she said.

The 17-year-old is keeping her fingers crossed that her catchy movement with a touch of artistry will impress the selectors in the floor exercise routine in her first Games outing. The artistic competiton will be from Nov 12-16 at Palembang.

Striking pose: Farah Ann Abdul Hadi carrying out her floor exercise routine.

Farah is so eager to showcase her talent that she is prepared to juggle the demands of competition with that of her SPM exams.

“I have waited for this moment for a long time. I couldn’t compete earlier because I was too young and when I was ready two years ago, Laos decided not to have artistic gymnastics.

“So although I will be going through the SPM in the midst of the competition, I am primed for action and eager to win gold,” added Farah, whose role model is former SEA Games gold medallist Nurul Fatiha Hamid.

Farah had a turn at the World Championships in Tokyo last month but failed to win a ticket for next year’s London Olympic Games.

“The level of competition was very high and the exposure has given me a lot of confidence going into my first SEA Games,” she said.

“My coach (Natalia Sinkova) has chosen a medley of upbeat music for my floor routine. I hope it will be a captivating performance.”

Besides the floor exercise, Farah will also be competing in the balance beam, vault, uneven bars and individual all-around, all of which require great strength, power and stamina.

Farah, Tracie Ang, Noor Hasleen Fatihin Hassan and Nur Eli Ellina Azmi make up the women’s squad but they will not be contesting the team event because Tracie is carrying an injury.

“It’s a pity because we would have been one of the favourites for the team gold. Unfortunately, Tracie is not fully fit and will be taking part in only one individual event,” lamented Farah.

“This same team finished fourth at last year’s Commonwealth Games in New Delhi. It was Malaysia’s best outing in the Games and we were looking forward to winning gold in Palembang.”

Now that the focus is all on the individual events, Farah said they would have to watch out for the gymnasts from Vietnam as well as Singapore’s 22-year-old Lim Heem Wei, a silver medallist in the balance beam at the Commonwealth Games.

“Heem Wei retired after New Delhi but is making a comeback for the SEA Games. She will be one of the most senior and experienced challengers for honours,” said Farah.

Besides her team-mates and supportive parents, Farah will have another strong cheerleader at the Games in her sister Katrina Ann, who is a member of the synchronised swimming team.

Farah and Katrina will be urging each other on – a golden sister act in the making.

The Brave Wan Lee Takes Painful Step In Second Bid To Qualify For Olympics

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia’s top rhythmic gymnast Lee Wan Nin has been given a second shot at qualifying for the Olympic Games in London and she is literally going the extra mile to get back into shape.

The 16-year-old has been making trips to Ipoh – either by train or bus – to get stem cell injections in a bid to speed up her recovery from a back injury.

Wan Nin will compete in her first SEA Games in Palembang from Nov 11-22 – but her main goal is to be in super-solid form for the Test Series in London from Jan 16-18.

She is one of the nine specially chosen rhythmic gymnasts from all over the world to compete in the Test Series, where only the top five will win tickets to the Olympics.

Wan Nin missed the cut for the Olympic Games when she finished 30th in the 130-gymnast field at the World Championships in Paris in September. Only the top 24 were assured of the Olympic spots.

Her 30th spot, however, was Malaysia’s best ever in the world series but it came at a costly price – as she hurt her back.

Wan Nin admitted that injuries were part and parcel of the sport and that she was determined to overcome it.

“My hometown is in Ipoh and I have been seeking treatment there since I got back from the world meet. I felt that it was best to continue with my follow-up treatment there. I have to get three stem cell injections over a period of time. I have had two jabs and my last visit is tomorrow (today),” said Wan Nin, who rushed off to catch a bus back home as soon as the five-day centralised camp at the Palm Garden Hotel here ended yesterday.

“I was hoping to catch a train but all tickets have been sold out because of the Hari Raya Haji celebration on Monday. It’s going to be a hectic trip.

“The doctor usually injects the middle and lower parts of my back at every visit. I am happy that my final visit will be over.

“It is a painful process but I do not mind it. The most important thing is for me to get better.”

Wan Nin hopes to be able to give a creditable performance at the SEA Games but she also realises that she could fall short of her target of winning a gold medal.

“I want to win the gold but I know it will not be easy, especially in the condition I am in right now. It’ll be good to give it a try and see where I stand. The more important event is the Test Series,” said the petite gymnast.

“I missed the cut for the Olympic Games once. I do not want to squander the second opportunity.”

Wan Nin is the sole Malaysian representative for this year’s rhythmic gymnastics competition in the SEA Games following Amy Kwan’s decision to withdraw due to injury.

There will be only one gold medal instead of the usual six on offer because the hosts have decided to limit the number of events.

Wan Nin’s main challenger will be Thailand’s seasoned campaigner Tharatip Sridee.

Amy’s Out, Only Wan Nin To Compete

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia will be left with only one representative in the rhythmic gymnastics competition at the Indonesia SEA Games following Amy Kwan’s withdrawal due to injury.

Malaysia will now bank on Lee Wan Nin to win the solitary gold medal on offer in the rhythmic event when the one-day competition is held in Palembang on Nov 19.

Team manager Petrina Low said that Amy had a stress fracture on her left leg and deemed unfit by the doctors to compete.

“There is only one gold medal on offer in the SEA Games this time. Previously, rhythmic offered six gold medals and Malaysia are usually the biggest winners,” said Petrina.

“We still have Wan Nin and we hope she will stay in good condition to keep Malaysia’s flag flying high in the event.”

Petrina said that the dwindling numbers in the senior team was not a big concern as she felt that there was talent aplenty in the National Junior Championships held in Bukit Jalil yesterday.

Kuala Lumpur’s Fatin Zakira Jalani stole the show when she won four gold medals – one team and three individuals.

In the individual all-around, a consistent Fatin had a total score of 69.499 points to bag the gold. Her team-mate Olivia Tai also did quite well to win two gold medals with strong performances in the hoop and ribbon events.

“The juniors did well and showed that they are on the right track for the future,” said Petrina.

Results

Team: 1. Kuala Lumpur 225.145, 2. Selangor 209.846, 3. Pahang 189.913.

Individual all-around: 1. Fatin Zakira Jalani (Kul) 69.499, 2. Olivia Tai (Kul) 68.140, 3. Ooi Emma (Kul) 66.390.

Hoop: 1. Olivia Tai (Kul) 24.116, 2. Fatin Zakira Jalani (Kul) 23.983, 3. Ooi Emma (Kul) 22.783.

Ball: 1. Fatin Zakira Jalani (Kul) 23.116, 2. Emma Ooi (Kul) 22.183, 3. Olivia Tai (Kul) 21.875.

Clubs: 1. Fatin Zakira Jalani (Kul) 22.400, 2. Shak Yuki (Sel) 21.708, 3. S. Shasangari (Kul) 21.116.

Ribbon: 1. Olivia Tai (Kul) 22.149, 2. Emma Ooi (Kul) 21.424, 3. Veronica Au Wei Ran (Sel) 20.808.

Gymnast Wan Nin shines at world meet, good bet for gold at SEA Games

KUALA LUMPUR: Rhythmic gymnast Lee Wan Nin showed that she can dance her way to a gold medal at the SEA Games in Indonesia after achieving Malaysia’s best result in the World Championships in Mont­pel­lier, France, yesterday.

The 16-year-old Wan Nin finished 30th in a 130-gymnast field with a combined score of 76.000 points in the individual all-around qualifying event.

The top 24 gymnasts who made the all-around final are guaranteed of places in the London Olympics next year. Wan Nin, by virtue of being third in the reserve list, will get to go if three of the top-24 gymnasts pull out.

The good news, however, is that she did better than her closest rival from the South-East Asia region – Thailand’s Tharatip Sridee, who finished in 58th spot with 72.400 points.

Star in the making: Lee Wan Nin gave Malaysia their best ever finish in rhythmic gymnastics at the world meet in France.

Wan Nin was most impressive in two apparatus – hoop and clubs – and was rewarded with identical scores of 25.700. “I am disappointed with my ball routine as I know I could have performed better.

“This finally affected my ranking and I’ve lost my chance to feature in the Olympic Games,” said Wan Nin, who has vowed to train harder for the future competitions.

Malaysia’s Amy Kwan, however, was forced to pull out from the world meet due to a leg injury.

Amy, who won a gold medal in the hoop event at the Asia Pacific Alliance gymnastics championships in Melbourne in May, will have to make a quick recovery if she hopes to get back into shape for the SEA Games.

Malaysian Gymnastics Federation (MGF) secretary N. Shanmugarajah, who was pleased with Wan Nin’s breakthrough performance, expects more promising results from the youngster.

“She is still young but she still managed to overcome the jitters to finish 30th in her first world meet. This is the best result by our rhythmic gymnasts in a world meet series,” beamed Shanmugarajah.

Malaysia’s previous best performer was Elaine Koon, who finished 40th in the world meet in Moscow last year.

Elaine, who won a hoop gold medal at the last year’s Common­wealth Games in India, however, retired from the sport this year.

“Based on her progress in the sport, Wan Nin could have been a multiple medal winner at the SEA Games this year if only the host had not cut down on the number of events. Indonesia are only hosting the individual and team events in the rhythmic gymnastics in Palembang,” he said.

“We are not taking part in the team event because we are short of elite gymnasts. Wan Nin and Amy will take part in the individual all-around event. For now, Wan Nin certainly looks good to win the solitary medal for Malaysia in the rhythmic event.”

Shanmugarajah also credited Wan Nin and the other senior gymnasts’ improvement to the short training stint in St Petersburg, Russia, from Aug 9-30.

He said it also benefited the younger group.

Besides the two seniors, Malaysia had also sent a five-member junior team of Wong Poh Sam, Fatin Zakirah Jalany, Ooi Emma, S. Shasangari and Olivia Tai Qing Tong for exposure in Russia under the charge of national coach Elena Kholodova.

“The juniors returned home just before the world meet but they certainly gained valuable experience. This group of gymnasts are being groomed for the next Commonwealth Games in Scotland in 2014 and the Asian Games in South Korea in 2016,” said Shan­mugarajah.

Tracie’s Olympic Dream Comes To An End

KUALA LUMPUR: Top artistic gymnast Tracie Ang’s dream of qualifying for the London Olympic Games is over.

Women’s artistic coach Mikhail Gutsalyuk confirmed yesterday that he had dropped Tracie from the squad for the World Championships in Tokyo next month because of her ankle injury.

The world meet is the qualifying tournament for next year’s Olympic Games in London.

In Tracie’s absence, only Farah Ann Hadi is left to carry the torch for Malaysia in the world meet.

Tracie, who injured her ankle during the Asean Schools Games in Singapore in July, was dejected at missing the opportunity to compete in her first world meet.

On the mend: Gymnast Tracie Ang is recovering from an ankle injury and has been dropped from the World Championships squad.

“The cast on my ankle has been removed but I have not fully recovered. The world meet is next month and I am still not ready. It will take some time to get back my form,” said Tracie.

“I have been undergoing a rehabilitation programme and light intensity training since injuring my ankle. I have not competed in any warm-up tournaments because of this. My ankle still hurts when I do certain exercises.

“I am sad because I have really put in a lot of effort to be ready for the world meet since the start of the year. Injuries have really been a problem for me.”

The pint-sized lass, however, does not plan to give up the sport yet.

“I still believe I can do well if I am injury-free. I will try to hang on and make a comeback,” said Tracie, who is not the first gymnast under Gutsalyuk’s charge to have suffered from injuries.

Two others in the elite team – Noor Hasleen Fatihin Hasnan and Nur Ily Ilyana Azmi – are also carrying injuries.

Earlier this year, two top gymnasts – Cheong See Teng and Chan Sau Wah – quit the national team due to persistent shoulder and ankle injuries respectively.

With the national team in such a sorry state, it’s almost impossible for Malaysia to even hope for a medal at the SEA Games in Jakarta in November.

Gymnastics used to be one of the big medal contributors for Malaysia in the SEA Games.

Asked if Gutsalyuk’s coaching methods were too hard on the gymnasts, thus triggering the spate of injuries among the gymnasts since he took over the national team two years ago, Malaysian Gymnastics Federation (MGF) president Datuk Dr Zakaria Ahmad said he would wait for the coach’s report first.

“Coaches are responsible for the selection of athletes for tournaments and they know best the athletes’ conditions. Mikhail is a good coach and he has done well to raise the standard of our gymnasts,” said Zakaria.

“Gymnastics, especially artistic, is an injury-prone sport. The more we try to raise the level of difficulties, the more we risk the gymnasts getting injured. Anyway, I will look into Mikhail’s report on Tracie.”

Gymnast Tracie Vows To Overcome Injury Setback For SEA Games

PETALING JAYA: Top woman artistic gymnast Tracie Ang (pic) is down with an ankle injury but she is determined to quickly overcome the setback in a bid to make a strong impact at the Indonesia SEA Games in November. 

Tracie, who fractured her ankle during the Asean School Championships in Singapore last month, needs another two to four weeks to get back on her feet.

“It is unfortunate that I got injured during the floor exercise routine at the Asean school meet. Today, I removed the cast and the doctors assured me that I will be able to train full swing in two to four weeks,” said Tracie.

“I have never won a gold medal for the country in the SEA Games and I hope to achieve it. But first, I hope to recover quickly so that I can compete in the World Championships in Tokyo in October. I will not allow this injury to dampen my spirit,” she added.

Prior to Tracie’s injury, the Malaysian’s gymnastics elite programme had suffered a major setback following the premature exits of two women artistic gymnasts – Cheong See Teng and Chan Sau Wah.

See Teng and Sau Wah’s early retirements have diluted the depth in the women’s artistic team.

The Malaysian Gymnastics Federation (MGF) secretary N. Shanmugarajah confirmed See Teng and Sau Wah’s early retirements on medical grounds.

“There is nothing we could do. See Teng is carrying a shoulder injury and she will also have to go for surgery. Sau Wah is down with an ankle injury and she told us the pain is unbearable,” said Shanmugarajah.

“Their absences will certainly diminish our chance to have a golden harvest in the SEA Games. The others will have to step up if we harbour hopes of winning a few medals there.”

Sau Wah was Malaysia’s gold medallist at the 2007 Korat SEA Games while See Teng was touted to be the country’s top star following her domination in the Malaysia Games (Sukma) and National Championships for several years but injury had always prevented her from competing in major meets.

In the absence of See Teng and Sau Wah and a half-fit Tracie, the others currently in the women’s team are Farah Ann Hadi, Noor Hasleen Fatihin Hasnan and Nur Ily Ilyana Azmi.

The gymnasts are training under Russian coaches Natalia Sinkova and Mikhail Gutsalyuk.

The men’s team of Mohd Irwan Miskob, Mohd Akmal Hakim, Mohd Azlanshah Ismail, Lum Wan Foong, Hairi Zaid and Mohd Hamzahruddin Nordin are currently in China attending a training stint as part of their preparation for the World Championships and the SEA Games.

Wan Nin To Keep Malaysian Flag Flying In Rhythmic Gymnastics

KUALA LUMPUR: Teen gymnast Lee Wan Nin is only in her first senior year but she is ready to replace former international Elaine Koon in keeping the Malaysian flag flying high in rhythmic gymnastics.

The pint-sized 16-year-old has been named for the November SEA Games in Jakarta and the target is to win a gold medal. The other member in the team is lanky Amy Kwan.

Wan Nin, of Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS), has also been identified as one of the gymnasts capable of winning a ticket to the Olympic Games through the World Championships, which will be held in Paris in October.

The spotlight is now firmly trained on Wan Nin and Amy following Elaine’s early retirement.

Elaine, the country’s first gold medallist at the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi last year, quit the sport due to some problems with her coach Elena Kholodova.

Many have failed to handle the pressure of sudden fame but not Wan Nin.

The bold and confident lass said that “challenges, be it big or small, are part and parcel of a gymnast’s life”.

“There were expectations when I was a junior and it is the same now that I am in the senior rank. I will just continue to work hard in training,” said Wan Nin.

“I represented Malaysia as a senior for the first time at the World Cup in Paris (in April). I finished 18th out of 51 competitors and it was a good experience for me. It showed me where I stood among the world class gymnasts.”

Wan Nin hopes that a training stint in St Petersburg, Russia, next month would help strengthen her preparation for the SEA Games and World Championships.

“I have been improving in every tournament but I know that I still have a lot to work to do if I want to do well in my debut at the SEA Games and World Championships. I hope to hone my skills during the training at St Petersburg,” she said.

“This time, only one gold medal in the individual all-around is contested in the rhythmic competition at SEA Games. Usually, there are six gold medals on offer.

“That’s why this year’s SEA Games could be tougher than the previous editions.”

Although she has a realistic chance of doing well in the SEA Games compared to the World Championships, Wan Nin is still ready to give a go at the world meet.

Only the top 15 in the world meet are assured of places at the London Olympic Games next year.

Wan Nin and Amy are bring groomed by Kholodova to strike gold medals at the next Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, in 2014.