Olympics one of hardest things I’ve ever done, says Farah Ann

Olympics one of hardest things I’ve ever done, says Farah Ann

She failed to qualify for the women's all-around final after placing 68th out of 85 competitors.

Farah Ann greets Uzbekistan’s Oksana Chusovitina during the individual all-around qualifier in Tokyo. (AP pic)
KUALA LUMPUR:
National artistic gymnast Farah Ann Abdul Hadi has competed in various tournaments in the past decade, including in five World Championships, but nothing beats the thrill of her first Olympic outing in Tokyo.

The 27-year-old said that competing in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games had been one of the hardest and most unbelievable things she has ever done in her entire career, adding that it will always be close to her heart.

“It was challenging, both mentally and physically. However, realising my dream since I was three and competing on the Olympic stage has been the most amazing and indescribable feeling.

“I choked up immediately after walking off the competition floor with feelings of amazement and a sense of accomplishment that I had finally done it. Waking up the day after my competition, I had tears in my eyes.

“I felt immense pride in having completed this colossal goal. I had performed to the best of my capabilities at the Olympics,” she posted on social media today.

The winner of seven SEA Games gold medals is currently undergoing the 14-day mandatory quarantine in a hotel here after arriving from Japan on Tuesday.

She also thanked her family, coaches Nataliya Sinkova and Ng Shu Wai, friends and fans for making her Olympic dream a reality with their undivided support.

“Nataliya has been with me since I was eight years old. She pushed me, was there for me and helped me both physically and mentally on my Olympic journey. I am unbelievably grateful to have you as my coach.

“Shu Wai has helped me, coached and taught me many things about myself as a gymnast in recent years. Thank you so much for everything, I am grateful. To all the coaches who have trained me over the years – your guidance has been invaluable, thank you,” she added.

Farah Ann, who made her Olympic debut in Tokyo, lost the chance to advance to the women’s all-around final after ending in 68th place out of 85 competitors, collecting 48.565 points overall at the Ariake Gymnastics Centre in Tokyo on July 25.

She collected 11.600 points on the uneven bars, 11.566 points on the balance beam, 12.233 points in the floor exercise and 13.166 points in the vault.

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