Journey in ‘crazy world world of gymnastics’ ends for Farah

PETALING JAYA: Farah Ann Abdul Hadi, the poster girl of Malaysian gymnastics, has decided to call time on her competitive career.

The 27-year-old Olympian, who has been involved in artistic gymnastics for more than two decades, announced her decision on her Facebook page yesterday.

The Malaysian Gymnastics Federation (MGF) had hinted earlier on Farah’s plan to retire after she had requested to be excused from training for three weeks earlier this month.

And with her decision to quit yesterday, the national body have withdrawn her name from the final squad list for the Vietnam SEA Games.

Farah swept to three golds at the last SEA Games in the Philippines in uneven bars, floor exercise and all-around individual.

Gone as far as she can: Farah Ann Abdul Hadi acknowldeging the cheers at the Tokyo Olympics. Below: In her junior days.

Altogether, Farah has won a total of 12 medals, including seven golds in the SEA Games.

Coming from a family of sporting siblings, Farah’s sister Katrina Ann is also a former SEA Games gold medallist in synchronised swimming. And their parents, father Abdul Hadi and mother Kimberly Ann Gagnon, have been very supportive.

The highlight of Farah’s career is certainly her qualification for the Tokyo Olympics last year, which she has described as the journey of a lifetime.

“25 years ago a little girl took a leap of faith and joined the crazy world of gymnastics. Entranced with being a gymnast, I embarked on a journey that would ultimately become my greatest passion,” said Farah.

“Now after 25 amazing years in this sport, I am finally ready to say goodbye to being a competitive gymnast.

“All I can say is thank you gymnastics for all the wonderful memories and experiences that I have had.

“To all the people that I have met along the way... all the guidance, love and support, thank you.

“It’s been the ride of a lifetime, I have given everything that I had, all my love, passion and dedication.

“Along the way, my dream to compete in the Olympic Games came true and I am so thankful to retire on my terms. It’s been amazing. Thank you to all of you.

“Gymnastics will always be a part of me, as it will always be my passion and hopefully, I can give something back to the sport that has truly given me so much.

“I may be retiring as an athlete but I will continue to be involved in the world of sports,” she wrote.

It’s likely that she will be involved as a judge in artistic competitions.