Gymnasts in tears after missing gold by a whisker

So close: (Clockwise from left) Koi Sie Yan, Amy Kwan Dict Weng and Izzah Amzan competing in their respective disciplines in the team event yesterday.

TEARS flowed as Amy Kwan Dict Weng, Koi Sie Yan and Izzah Amzan came within a whisker to end Malaysia’s 20-year wait for a gold medal in rhythmic gymnastics.

Their best was just not good enough as they lost by 2.675 points to Cyprus to settle for silver.

Cyprus took the gold with 130.625 points, Malaysia managed 127.950 for the silver and hosts Australia took the bronze with 120.800.

It was still a better showing for Malaysia after managing only a bronze at the 2014 Glasgow Games.

Amy, Sie Yan and Izzah performed in the last rotation and knew they needed to bring their A game to pip favourites Cyprus, who completed their routines earlier.

And their determination showed when Malaysia took the lead after the trio dazzled in the first two routines, hoop and ball.

But they lost their footing in the clubs and eventually failed to narrow the gap in the ribbon.

Amy, who also featured in Glasgow, said they fought hard.

“We fought until the end – that’s important. We came here to win the gold but we missed it .. that was kind of sad,” said Amy.

“But a silver is still good. This is for Malaysia. There were just some silly mistakes in my ball and clubs but I managed to step up in the others,” said Amy, who thanked the coaches and all the support team.

Sie Yan said they were overwhelmed when they missed the gold.

“All three of us cried because we know we could have done better ... we came close,” said Sie Yan.

“Our challenge is not over yet. All three of us are involved in the individual events and we’ll do better.”

The 17-year-old Izzah was happy that she did not show any nerves in her first Games.

“It’s an amazing experience. I gave my best but it’s unfortunate that I made some mistakes in ribbon, that maybe cost the team. I’m sorry but I promise to do better in the individual apparatus,” said Izzah.

Amy and Sie Yan have qualified for today’s individual all-around.

Both of them will also be in action in the clubs and ribbon finals.

Izzah also qualified for two finals in the ball with Sie Yan and hoop with Amy.