Singapore Gymnastics targeting four gold medals at 2015 SEA Games

SINGAPORE: Singapore gymnasts are aiming to match their best ever performance of four gold medals at the 2015 SEA Games in Singapore.

They last won the four gold medals at the 2007 SEA Games in Korat, Thailand.

The opportunity to compete at major events like July’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland is critical for preparations.

Five athletes have received the initial nod for the Commonwealth Games.

Among them is 19-year-old Joey Tam, who is making her debut in Glasgow.

Joey said: “What I will need to work on is my execution; I have to be a bit cleaner and make sure I don’t fall, so stability is key.”

Also making his debut is Terry Tay, who won a bronze medal at the 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games.

He said he is ready to step up to the senior challenge.

Terry elaborated: “My score placed me in third place in the previous Commonwealth Games results, so I am looking forward to a pretty good competition. Of course, qualifying for the finals shouldn’t be much of a question, but placing in the podium would be one of the targets.”

Singapore Gymnastics wants selectors to give those who missed the cut a second chance, like Singapore’s only gymnast to compete at the 2012 Olympics, Lim Heem Wei.

Lee Hong Chuang, 1st vice president at Singapore Gymnastics, said: “So we are going to… put in a new score to demonstrate to SNOC (Singapore National Olympic Council) that our girls are really qualified to go in to the Commonwealth Games, also some of our boys and even some of our rhythmic girls.

“So they are going to a few competitions, like… (in) March, we have two major competitions coming along — the World Cup, one in France one in Doha. France is hosting the Rhythmic Gymnastics event while Doha plays host to the Artistic category.”

Mr Lee is hopeful that a good performance at these events would convince the selectors to approve up to nine more gymnasts.

Apart from the Commonwealth Games, the gymnasts will also take part in the Asian Games and the World Championships.

These events offer a good tune-up for the Singapore gymnasts ahead of the 2015 SEA Games.

In addition to the Singapore women’s team, the balance beam, men’s pommel and vault are expected to deliver the four gold medals.

To bolster their chances, more overseas training and sports medicine support are being planned.

As a further boost for their preparations, a consultant from Australia will be visiting next week to help the athletes with their training.

Mdm Tian Ju Ping worked with the association from 2005 to 2011, and after the one-week stint, Singapore Gymnastics is hoping to engage her for the long run. 

Singapore Gymnastics targeting four gold medals at 2015 SEA Games