NO FANS FOR FARAH
Gymnast is disappointed she can’t perform for spectators due to pandemic
FARAH Ann Abdul Hadi likes to perform in front of fans, but she will get none of them at the Tokyo Olympics. The organisers have decided to bar spectators from all venues in Tokyo due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Understandably, Farah Ann, a social butterfly, is disappointed as she loves mesmerising spectators with her smile and grace.
However, artistic gymnastics is not all about battling your rivals for the podium in front of fans.
It is also about how well a gymnast can overcome their nerves to perform flawlessly during their events.
Farah Ann and Jeremiah Loo may not stand a chance against their rivals, but they certainly have the pedigree to better their personal best in Tokyo.
Farah Ann, 27, will be making her Olympic debut in Tokyo after failing to qualify for the 2016 Rio Games by 0.01 points.
The Selangor-born is active on social media and frequently makes public appearances for sponsorship events when she is not training.
However, she has not been as active after entering a training bubble to prepare for the Olympics.
The good news is Farah Ann may still perform well without added pressure from fans at the Ariake Gymnastics Centre in Tokyo.
National coach Nataliya Sinkova said the ‘quiet’ Olympics will be a new experience for her gymnasts and other Malaysian athletes.
“In gymnastics, the biggest enemy is yourself. I have reminded Farah Ann about it, and I hope she will
fight hard and perform to expectations.
“If athletes perform well, they will receive compliments whether or not they win medals.
“Farah Ann is, understandably, disappointed that she will not be performing in front of fans in Tokyo. She always gets compliments from fans whenever she competes.
“I told her that although no fans will be inside the venue, everyone will still be watching her perform via live telecast,” said Sinkova.
Sinkova said she would love to see her gymnasts win an Olympic medal, but unfortunately, Malaysia are not there yet to challenge the best in the sport.
“Everyone who competes in the Olympics wants to win a medal. However, we are not there yet. Hopefully, we will be there soon.
“Farah Ann will definitely spur up-and-coming gymnasts to attain better results in the future. I foresee that her appearance in Tokyo will lead to better things to come in the future.”
Meanwhile, Jeremiah, who suffered a shoulder injury two years ago, is determined to prove something to himself in Tokyo.
“I am working on my routines in training, and everything is going well. I almost tore three tendons in my shoulder two years ago. Thankfully, I am 100 per cent fit now.
“Although I have trained for only two months, I am satisfied with my performance in training.
“All we can do is train during the lockdown. It has allowed me to focus on improving my routines ahead of the Olympics,” said Jeremiah.
Unlike Farah Ann, the 24-year-old does not mind performing in an empty venue with no fans.
“However, it does not make things easier. I still have to control my nerves and try to impress the judges with my routines,” he added.
Jeremiah and Farah Ann will leave for Tokyo today. They will each compete in four categories in the men and women’s events.