Swollen with pride
Pregnant Quzandria delivers perfect gift for herself and nation
QUZANDRIA Nurr Mahamad Fathil is four-and-halfmonths pregnant.
But that did not stop her from riding to victory in the individual dressage at the 3Q Equestrian Centre in Rawang yesterday.
Tears flowed freely for the 35-year-old Quzandria after she pipped early favourite and older brother Qabil Ambak for her first individual SEA Games gold.
Quzandria, astride Rosenstolz, put up a stylish show to impress the judges for a score of 152.029 points.
The 37-year-old Qabil, who won the dressage individual title at three SEA Games – KL 2001, Manila 2005 and Korat 2007 – settled for silver with 149.547.
The bronze went to Singapore’s Caroline Chew (145.588).
It is Malaysia’s second equestrian gold following the dressage team’s victory on Tuesday.
Quzandria, who is making a comeback after quitting the national team 10 years ago, was overwhelmed with her win.
“I kept the pregnancy a secret because I didn’t want too much focus on me during the Games. It’s my first child and there were concerns,” said Quzandria.
“But my baby has been good throughout the competition. I was comfortable although it was bouncy at times.
“Now that I have accomplished my mission, I will take a rest at home – under strict orders from my midwife,” quipped Quzandria, who is married to Italian Alessandro Ciaramaglia.
Quzandria also has another reason to be joyful.
She has finally beaten Qabil to the gold after being in his shadows for the past 16 years.
“I remember running and cry- ing to my mum after losing to my brother in the individual event at the 2001 home Games,” she said.
“This time, after 16 years, these are tears of joy. I can’t believe that I had to come out of retirement to beat him.
“I’m happy that Qabil and I made it a 1-2 finish.”
Qabil was proud of his younger sister’s achievement.
“She deserved it. She really gave it her all out there to beat me this time. It was a great show,” he said.
Qabil, who has won a total of 10 SEA Games gold medals, can still increase his collection as he will compete in the team and individual show jumping events.
The final of the team event is tomorrow.