Olympics the next target
FIGURE skaters Julian Yee and Chew Kai Xiang are on a mission to put the country on the world map, and in the process bring more awareness to Malaysians about winter sports.
Last week, Julian, 20, won Malaysia’s first figure skating gold at the Kuala Lumpur Sea Games (KL2017) while Kai Xiang, 18, settled for the bronze.
Prior to the Sea Games, nobody knew much of the sport, especially when all 11 countries competing at the Games enjoy tropical weather all year round.
Having been in Canada for the last two years, Julian now hopes to go a step higher by qualifying for the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea.
“The Sea Games was amazing because for the first time, Malaysians were exposed to figure skating and other events such as ice hockey and speed skating,” said Julian at a meet and greet session with fans at the Sunway Pyramid Ice Rink yesterday.
“The crowd was amazing and I hope more people would come forward and get involved.
“It was also very special for me to win the gold in front of all our home fans, and I hope to do better and maybe qualify for the Winter Olympics next year,” said Julian, who is also a two-time World Championship finalist.
To make the cut for the Winter Olympics next year, Julian, who leaves for Canada on Sunday, will have to aim for a top six finish in the 2017 Nebelhorn Trophy on Sept 27-30 in Oberstdorf, Germany. “I was just shy of two spots when I finished No 22 in the finals of the World Championship this year. There are some who have already qualified so if they win, there will still be six spots for those who have not qualified.”
Kai Xiang is hoping to emulate his good friend (Julian) whom he has known since four.
“My goal is to qualify for the 2022 Winter Olympics. It’s not easy but I am hoping to get better. I was a little disappointed with my short programme score at the Sea Games but it’s okay.
“Like Julian, I will also be leaving to compete in two Grand Prix (Latvia and Poland) this year.”
As ice skating made its debut at the Sea Games, Malaysia bagged five gold medals and four bronze.