KUALA LUMPUR – During the vibrant 90s, Carolyn Au Yong, El Regina Tajudin, Sarina Sundara Rajah and Thye Chee Kiat became Malaysia’s rhythmic gymnastics sensations, leaving an indelible mark at the 1998 Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games.
Achieving the country’s first gold medal in gymnastics at the Games, these iconic athletes, now coaches, reflect on the challenges they faced during their competitive days.
Scoop Sports had the privilege to sit down with these gymnastics darlings and delve into the physical and mental pressures of maintaining a specific body image during adolescence, touching on issues like weight gain and its potential impact on mental health.
The former gymnasts also recalled amusing anecdotes during their competitive era, such as attempting to dye their hair just before a competition to distract from strict diets.
Reflecting on their journey, they expressed gratitude for the psychological support they received during the 1998 Commonwealth Games, acknowledging the immense pressure they faced.
Despite retiring from the sport, they maintained lifelong bonds with each other, celebrating birthdays together and sharing a common theme of exploring trendy eateries.
Meanwhile, as coaches, they advocate for athlete activism, emphasise the significance of grassroots sports, and encourage parents to involve their children in sports for holistic development beyond academics. – January 7, 2024