Extreme Aydan has time on his side

Good experience: Aydan Saisi after his wakeboard team event at the SEA Games . — GLENN GUAN/The Star

BANGKOK: Youngster Aydan Saisi loves extreme stuff - like the videogame GTA and his favourite sport, wakeboard.

In Thailand, grand theft auto has to take a backseat for the 13-year-old as he struts his extreme stuff in the water.

Competing in the finals yesterday at Rabbit Lake in Nong Chok, Aydan wrapped up his campaign, just outside the medals - in fourth place - with teammate Adam Yoong Hanifah.

Despite missing the podium, Aydan remained all smiles at the lakeside.

“If there’s something I enjoy doing out of the water, it’s probably talking to my friends or playing video games,” said Aydan.

“But the rest of the time, I just love being in the water.

“It’s the best place to be. It’s cool, and especially when the weather is hot, it’s perfect.”

On the Games, Aydan admitted that he was aware that he has much catching up to do to compete with more experienced athletes, but he has time on his side.

“It’s my first SEA Games, but I’ll get there, I know it,” he said.

Aydan added that the windy conditions at Rabbit Lake also proved to be a challenge.

“It was a little more windy and the water was choppy compared to the first day in the preliminaries.

“So the performance was a bit different, but I felt amazing regardless,” said Aydan.