Outsider defies the odds to win recurve archery gold medal

NO one expected Nur Hafifah Yaziz of Perlis to win a medal in the girls’ recurve archery event.

But not only did the 17-year-old win a medal, she defied the odds to take home the gold medal at Universiti Teknologi Petronas in Tronoh yesterday.

Even though ranked 17th and making her debut at the Games, she turned the formbook upside down to defeat fourth seed Fatin Nur- hannah Rasheedy of Federalal Territories 6-4 in the final.

And this was after she sent Fatin Izzatie Noris of Kedah packing at 6-2 in the semi-finals.

In the bronze-medal match, Penang’s M. Priyaswary defeated Izzatie 6-2.

“The weather was very windy today and I was quite nervous but I’m glad to win it in my debut and make my family and coaches happy,” said Hafifah, who can now forcus on her Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) exams.

She has been juggling both sp ports and studies diligently over the past few months. She finishes school at 4pm and trains for two hours from 5pm to 7pm.

“I had just finished my trial examinations.

“It was not easy to juggle both. My mum planned my daily schedule too, so I’m thankful for my family’s support.”

Hafifah, who picked up archery four years ago, said having the right composure was the key to success in archery.

“One has to be patient and mentally strong. One cannot lose one’s temper as it will not work.

“The key is to be calm and be in control.”