A giant step forward

In fine company: Bronze medallist Aaliyah Yoong (right) on the podium with winner Neilly Ross and silver medallist Anna Gay after the open tricks final at the World Games in Alabama.

PETALING JAYA: It could not have been a more perfect time for teenage waterski athlete Aaliyah Yoong Hanifah to make a big statement for Malaysia.

Aaliyah earned herself the perfect birthday gift by grabbing a historic bronze medal in the women’s open tricks event at the World Games in Birmingham, Alabama, on Friday.