Last call at the bars for Rachel as she gives way to juniors

BANGKOK: It’s the last tumble for Rachel Yeoh Li Wen (pic). The national artistic gymnast is making way for the next generation of athletes.

The 26-year-old, who won two gold medals in the 2021 Hanoi SEA Games, will be back on the tumbling mat in the uneven bars event at the Thailand SEA Games but won’t be competing on the balance beam.

Rachel said she wanted to make way for the juniors to shine.

She will compete in the uneven bars alongside Cadence Teh Zi Qi, who will replace Rachel in the balance beam and partner Yeap Kang Xian.

“The reason I’m not competing in both events is that I want to keep my focus fully on my main event,” said Rachel.

“This is also a good opportunity to let the juniors compete and give it their best.”

The 2023 edition in Cambodia had scrapped the women’s competition.

Rachel had returned to her training routines last year after recovering from an ankle sprain, but is now at 100% and ready to compete at the Thammasat Rangsit Gymnasium 5 today.

“All the preparation and training have gone well, and I’m ready to start competing. I’m confident I can defend my gold medal,” said Rachel.

Looking at the competition in Bangkok, Rachel said the team was optimistic about a good result, but her performance today will make all the difference.

“To be honest, I think we are quite strong when compared to our competitors,” she said. “But that’s not to say we can be overconfident. It will all come down to how we perform on the day.”