Aaliyah has no fear skiing alongside alligators in Florida

PETALING JAYA: Waterskier Aaliyah Yoong Hanifah is looking forward to spending time back home after she is done skiing alongside the gators in Florida this year.

In her final year studying psychology at Florida Southern College, the 22-year-old Aaliyah said the year will be focused on her completing her studies, but that does not mean she is going to be spending any less time in the water.

Although the waters in Florida are common with alligators, Aaliyah said it’s normal to see them around her campus in Lakeland and in the water when she’s on her skis.

“It’s pretty cool when they’re right next to you, it’s very normal to see that,” said Aaliyah.

“You see them all the time in the summer. But they’re more afraid of us humans than we are of them, so they rarely bother us.”

After she’s done with her time in the United States, Aaliyah said she is looking forward to being back home and spending time at the Putrajaya Waterski School, which is operated by her family.

“I’m going to focus on that, too, once I’m back. I really want to bring more people into water skiing, especially in Malaysia,” she said.

Aaliyah’s big tournament this year will be the Nautique Masters in Georgia in May, but she will also be gearing up for the IWWF World Championships in Australia early next year.

At last year’s edition of the world meet, Aaliyah became the first Asian woman to finish in the top 10 after coming in seventh in Recetto, Italy, in September.

As she prepares for a busy year ahead, Aaliyah also reflected on the past years being in the United States, and said being independent has also allowed her to be more appreciative of things around her.

“My whole goal this year is to just improve. I feel that I’m in the phase of my career where I really have to step up if I want to get on the podium at the Worlds.

“I’ve gone through so much growth over the years that I appreciate things more, especially the small things. I’ve learned to ground myself and not stress too much about what the future holds,” she said.