Aaliyah out to record personal best at world waterski meet

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysian waterski star Aaliyah Yoong Hanifah hopes to end the year with a bang at the World Championships starting today in Lake County, Florida.

The 20-year-old sensation has already enjoyed stellar results in both her major events this year – the Moomba Masters in March and the World Under-21 Championships in June.

In fact, Aaliyah, who is currently pursuing her tertiary education at the Florida Southern College, created history when she became the first ever Malaysian to win a medal at the world event by taking bronze in jump at the World Under-21 meet.

With the open category world meet now held on ‘home’ ground’, Aaliyah will be hoping to make another strong impression.

Having had to balance studies on top of training, the reigning Asian champion and record holder is however keeping her targets for the world meet realistic.

“My target for this world meet is to achieve a personal best in jump or in slalom,” said Aaliyah.

Her slalom record stands at 4.5/55/12 while she has improved the most in jump, with a best distance of 47.2m.

At her last open world meet in Putrajaya in 2019, Aaliyah announced her presence on the world stage by reaching the final in tricks where she eventually finished ninth.

“Aaliyah had already achieved her target for 2023 by taking home a bronze at the World Under-21 meet earlier this year,” said Malaysian Waterski and Wakeboard Federation (MWWF) head coach Hanifah Yoong.

“For the open world meet, the earliest chance of a medal finish would be in jump in 2025 although her realistic target is 2027, coincidentally when Malaysia hosts the SEA Games again.

“She is however very determined to do well regardless and I feel that she is mentally strong enough to spring a surprise,” he added.

Aaliyah is sponsored by the National Sports Council, Yayasan Sime Darby, Perbadanan Putrajaya, Nautique Boats USA, D3 Skis USA, Reflex Bindings and the Putrajaya Waterski School.