In pursuit of Winter Olympics dream
> Figure skater Yee aims to be first Malaysian to qualify for the 2018 Games in South Korea
PETALING JAYA: The 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea could be a dream come true for national figure skater Julian Yee Zhi Jie as he might be the first Malaysian to qualify for the global sporting event.
The 20-year-old aims to finish among the top six in the Nebelhorn Trophy figure skating competition at Oberstdorf, Germany on Sept 27 to qualify for the Olympics.
“I am only one step away from qualifying. I would like to prove that it doesn’t matter where you’re from or who you are. It is possible to get to where you want to be,” he said, adding that it would be an honour to fly the Jalur Gemilang at the Winter Olympics.
However, Yee, who is the first Malaysian to take part in the World Figure Skating Championships in Boston, United States, last year, admitted it would be tough to clinch a spot.
Currently training in Ontario, Canada, Yee admitted that it is costly to train at one of the best training centres in the world.
“I have a couple of sponsors. However, it is only almost the bare minimum so most of it is still self funded.
“My parents play a huge role in supporting me although they have to bear the burden financially.”
Yee said the Youth and Sports Ministry has taken some interest in ice skating as it will debut at the SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur. It (ministry) has provided funding to the Ice Skating Association of Malaysia.
“I have two immediate goals. One is to have a good showing at the upcoming SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur. The other goal is to finish in the top six at the Nebelhorn Trophy to qualify for the Winter Olympics,” the four-time Malaysia Open National Championship winner said.
“It also takes a lot of dedication and hard work to be a champion.”