RHYTHMIC gymnasts Koi Sie Yan, Izzah Amzan (pic) and Ng Joe Ee have arrived in Birmingham but what a rollercoaster ride it has been for the trio even before the competition begins.
Yesterday, they checked in at the Games Village without their dedicated coaches Yulia Ivanova and Lidia Legotina, who were barred from entering due to restrictions imposed by the British government on Russian citizens due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Apart from the unfortunate coaches’ visa issue, it had been smooth going for the gymnasts.
In fact, Sie Yan, Izzah and Joe Ee showed they were shaping up well for the Commonwealth Games by reaching several finals in the Crystal Rose Rhythmic Gymnastic Cup which ended five days ago in Minsk, Belarus.
Their performances were positive as they advanced to the finals in a competition dominated by the dazzling Alina Harnasko of Belarus, who won a bronze medal in the individual all-around in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.
Sie Yan made the final in the hoop and ribbon events while debutant Joe Ee was equally impressive and qualified for two finals in the clubs and ribbon.
Izzah joined Joe Ee in the clubs.
In the individual all-around, Sie Yan came in 16th (117.800) and followed by Izzah at 20th (116.100) and Joe Ee in 21st (115.850).
“We are happy that our gymnasts qualified for several finals even when they faced stiff competition from Olympian Alina,” said team manager Beh Yeat Chean.
“For now, we are working with the team to improve on their consistency and mental preparation for the Games,” said Yeat Chean.
Indeed, the absence of their coaches has affected the team’s morale but technical manager Petrina Low believes the experienced Sie Yan and Izzah can adapt accordingly.
The duo have competed in many international tournaments and are making their second appearance in the Commonwealth Games.
“They have no other choice but to adapt to the situation. All I can do is motivate them to keep them going,” said Petrina.
Malaysian Gymnastics Federation secretary Afrita Ariany Nasril and former national gymnast Crystal Lim Wen Chean will be in Birmingham to take over the coaching roles. Competition starts on Thursday and the squad will continue to work hard to ensure they meet the one-gold target set for them.
