NATIONAL rhythmic gymnast Ng Joe Ee looked nervous as she entered the arena for her first Asian Games performance.
But once she started on her routine, she was like a swan in water. The double Commonwealth Games gold medallist was in her element, with her radiant smile and alluring style, despite facing some renowned gymnasts from the region at Huanglong Gymnasium Centre yesterday.
The sole Malaysian rhythmic gymnast in the Games swirled her way into the final by scoring 85.150 points, finishing 14th out of 30 athletes in the qualification.
Asked how she felt like entering the final, the chirpy Joe Ee said: “Wait, I am in the final?”
It was the media that confirmed that she had finished among the top 20, as the results were shown at the Jumbotron in the stadium.
“I guess I was too tired to see the jumbotron. I didn’t see it all,” joked Joe Ee, who is hoping she can repeat her performance in the final, except in clubs.
“I think the most important thing is to improve my confidence. I do not feel confident enough. I was scared my apparatus would drop. When we throw, sometimes we wonder if we can catch the apparatus or not. I need to reduce that feeling.
“In the clubs, I made two small silly mistakes. My coach (Yulia Ivanova) said I did okay but I know I need to buck up in the final.”
Joe Ee scored 28.050 in the ribbons, 28.020 in the clubs, 28.900 in the ball and 28.050 in the hoop.
The 18-year-old said the atmosphere at the gymnasium was calmer compared to the World Championships in Valencia, which was held in August. Then, she finished 53rd with a score of 80.900 points.
“The World Championships were loud and I could not calm myself. In China, I feel a little calmer. I hope the same will happen in the final.”
