Petite Izzah not fazed by big task in Gold Coast
PETALING JAYA: Rhythmic gymnast Izzah Amzan may be pintsized but the 17yearold is undaunted by the huge task of representing Malaysia at the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, from April 415.
Izzah and her teammates – Amy Kwan Dict Weng and Koi Sie Yan – are targeting the team gold at the Games.
The petite Izzah has shown that she can be counted on after she finished with two golds – team and ball – at the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games last year.
She also warmed up nicely for the Gold Coast challenge by taking a silver in ribbons at the Aphrodite Cup in Greece earlier this month.
“This is my first Commonwealth Games and I’m definitely very excited to perform,” said Izzah.
“There is a lot of pressure on us but I’m not thinking about it too much. I’m just focused on doing my best.
“It’s a tough field as the likes of England, Wales, Canada and Australia are strong contenders.
“But I believe that whoever keeps their focus on the day will do well and I just want to keep my routines clean.
“Personally, I would love to make the individual finals and enjoy myself,” added Izzah.
The trio of Izzah, Amy and Sie Yan face a tall order as Malaysia have not won the team gold since the 1998 KL Games where the quartet of Carolyn AuYong, Thye Chee Kiat, El Regina Tajuddin and Sarina Sundara Rajah emerged triumphant.
In the individual apparatus, Elaine Koon is the only Malaysian gold medallist when she won the hoop discipline at the 2010 New Delhi Games.