SEA GAMES 2015: 7 Young Malaysian Athletes To Support Including An 11-Year-Old Wakeboarder
The future looks bright for team Malaysia!
By John Lim — 04 Jun 2015, 06:10 PM
In case you've been missing out on major sports news, the 28th South East Asia (SEA) Games will be held from 5 to 16 June 2015. Held in Singapore, a total of 11 countries from the South East Asia region will be participating.
This time around, Malaysia has sent out a total of 641 athletes which includes 292 women athletes and 268 officials
While many have high expectations on our senior athletes, we're shedding some spotlight on young blood who have chosen to compete for Malaysia. I mean, what were you doing when you were 11? Our eyes are on these young athletes:
1. Aaliyah Yoong Hanifah
Age: 11
Sport: Wakeboard and waterski
Don't let the age fool you, Aaliyah may be only 11, but she is making waves in the wakeboard and waterskiing circuit. She currently holds the record of being the youngest SEA Games medalist when she struck gold in the 2010 Palembang SEA Games.
Aaliyah took up waterskiing at a very young age. At first, she had difficulties fitting into her skis but that didn't stop her from pushing forward. Well, it all seems to pay off! Keep a look out for this pin size girl cause she's not messing around!
2. Christina Loh Yen Ling
Age: 20
Sport: Swimming
The 20-year old swimmer from Penangite can only get better from now. Crowned Malaysia's 'Olympian Of The Year' back in 2013, Christina started swimming at the age of 10 and the rest is history.
After winning two gold medals in the 100m and 200m breaststroke event at the last SEA Games, Christina hopes to outdo herself in Singapore.
3. Nur Dhia Liyana Binti Shaharuddin
Age: 21
Sport: Taekwondo
You don't want to mess with Dhia.
She may only weighted at 49kg, but Dhia isn't a pushover since she represents Malaysia in Taekwondo. She may have less experience than the rest of her competitors, but she has proven that experience is not everything by bagging a bronze medal in the 11 Asian Taekwondo Federation Championship. We have high hopes for Dhia and we're pretty sure she will deliver!
4. Ooi Tze Liang
Age: 21
Sport: Diving
Ooi grow up with the fear of heights but he is now one of the top divers in Malaysia.
Being the first Malaysian to win a medal at the Commonwealth Games was a huge deal for Ooi because it launched his career to greater heights. Ooi will be defending his SEA games crown in the 3m springboard, the 3m synchro springboard and the 10m synchro platform, after he swept three gold medals in Myanmar 2013. Make sure you catch Ooi making a splash in the 2015 SEA Games!
5. Farah Ann Binti Abdul Hadi
Age: 20
Sport: Gymnastics
20-year old Farah sustained an injury back in 2010 but that has not stopped her from getting better so that she'll be able to compete again.
Taking up gymnast from a very young age, Farah has win over the hearts of many with her beautiful smile and elegant moves. She was the only Malaysian finalists in the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. Last year, she won a silver and bronze medal in the Incheon Asian Games. This year, Farah hopes to do even better and we're very sure she will.
6. Yong Jin Kun
Age: 20
Sport: Taekwondo
With over 15 years of experience in Taekwondo, Yong possesses great skill and expertise in the sport.
Just last year, Yong picked up 4 silver and 2 bronze at the ATF Taekwondo Championships in Vietnam. Yong's diverse experience will help him in this coming SEA Games where he hopes to end the Taekwondo gold drought in Malaysia.
7. Nixon Kennedy
Age: 20
Sport: Track and field
The 20-year old Sibu born Nixon Kennedy aims to solidify his status as one of Malaysia's up and coming runners in the 28th SEA Games.
The young sprinter has been making waves back in his home state of Sarawak by clinching wins in various competitions. But his breakthrough came when he clock in a personal best time to secure himself a place in the 28th SEA Games. We're pretty sure the upcoming games will give Nixon more exposure and help him in his career as a runner.
