FATIN VOWS ‘NOT TO GIVE UP’

Teenager backed by legend Hawk and singer Yuna

SKATEBOARD athlete Fatin Syahirah Roszizi does not want to pay too much attention to criticism from netizens for her poor performance at the Asian Games. She prefers to take it with a pinch of salt as the phrase “what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger” has now brought a new meaning to her life.

The 16-year-old revealed that her poor outing in Palembang was due to a ligament injury on her left ankle.

The video of Fatin’s performance in the women’s street final on Wednesday had gone viral and it drew flak from netizens which led to her posting an apology on her Instagram account.

She finished in eighth and last place, falling off within seconds of the start in two of her runs.

Her video had also gained worldwide attention including that of skateboarding legend Tony Hawk and singer Yuna, who both posted their comments on Fatin’s Instagram.

“I am happy that many have stood up for me. I realised they had also gone through tough times and the experiences made them stronger.

“This issue has opened my eyes to the attitude of some Malaysians.

“When we win, everyone claims to be your relative but as soon as you lose, only God knows,” said Fatin.

She, however, has vowed not to give up on her skating career.

Her teammate Yaziru Amiru Basyir Zainordin, who finished seventh at the Games, said netizens need to understand that luck plays a role in skateboarding.

“I think her performance was satisfactory. We have to remember that Fatin is a first-timer and that she may have been nervous,” said Yaziru.

Skateboarding impresario Hawk was one of thousands who rushed to the teenager’s defence.

“Don’t give up! If I had listened to the haters throughout my life, I would have stopped skating way too soon,” Hawk wrote on Instagram.

“They are simply projecting their insecurities on you because they wish they had the courage to follow their dreams. You can be an inspiration to a new generation of Malaysian skaters.”

Yuna said: “Nothing makes me prouder (than) to see a 16-year-old Malaysian girl represent the country in sports.

“Yes, there are a lot of trolls out there but they are not the captain of your ship. They will never know what it’s like to be you, to go through this and get back on your feet.

“They will never experience this and that is why this moment is so important to you because you will learn so much from it,” said Yuna