JOHOR BARU: At 55, Yeo Choong Fah is finally living out a childhood dream that she had tucked away for decades.
She is learning to become a gymnast.
Inspired by Olympic gymnasts she watched on television as a child, Yeo had always wanted to try the sport, but never had the opportunity while growing up.
It was only two years ago that the mother of two finally stepped onto a gymnastics floor for the first time.
“I shelved the dream for decades until two years ago, when I finally found the courage to step into a gymnastics class and met an instructor who was willing to take me in,” she said.
On her first day, Yeo looked around the room to find herself surrounded by students young enough to be her daughters.
But rather than feeling out of place, she decided to embrace the experience.
“I went in with the mentality of embracing lifelong learning. Despite my age, I did not find it too difficult to learn the movements because I was passionate about it,” she said.
Yeo started with basic exercises to build her body awareness, flexibility, strength and coordination before progressing to intermediate-level training.
Around the same time, she also took up yoga, which she said helped improve her flexibility.
In May, just after 18 months of training, she put her skills to the test at the Johor Open Artistic Gymnastics contest, in which she competed against more than 80 gymnasts from Johor, Melaka and Kuala Lumpur.
“I am glad to have had the chance to test my skills. I took part in the balance beam, vault and floor exercise categories,” she said, adding that she was presented with the Passionate Award.
Today, Yeo balances weekly gymnastics classes with yoga sessions at home and marathon training, all while taking care of her family.
She said gymnastics had taught her to push beyond her limits, strengthening not only her body but also her mindset.
“Since learning it, I feel that my body and mind have become stronger and my determination has also improved,” she said.
But her journey has not been without doubts.
Yeo admitted that she had considered giving up, particularly as she progressed to more challenging movements and became more aware of the risk of injury.
“My family, though supportive, still gets worried whenever I try out a new movement.
“I have seriously thought about the risk and understand that I have to bear the consequences if I am injured in pursuing my passion.
“I cherish the chance to fulfil my childhood dream and I am determined to continue learning,” she said.
