HANOI – Singapore’s men’s gymnastics team clinched their first medal since the 2015 SEA Games on home soil on Friday (May 13th).
The team of Terry Tay, Kaeson Lim, Mikhail Haziq Ghazali, Robin Sim, Zac Liew and Chong Jer Rong scored 297.650 at Quan Ngua Sports Palace to win the bronze medal.
Hosts Vietnam clinched the gold after registering 331,250, ahead of silver medalists Philippines (301,600).
Captain Tay, 28, said he was on top of the world.
He added: “It doesn’t matter what color the medal is, it’s the achievement itself. Four of the six team members are rookies, so it’s really been a journey to come here and it’s a bonus to get in the top three.
“The team put on a good show, it was not easy to get here balancing studies, national service or work. We rode the wave, did our best, trusted the process and now we are here.
Tay was also part of the team that won bronze in the same event at the 2015 SEA Games, but said the two moments cannot be compared.
But he said: “Each competition has its own charm… I’m happy to have this team behind me to attack together.
“It wasn’t a smooth race, but I think where some of us made mistakes, we lifted each other up and that’s what the sport is about.”
Debutant Haziq, 20, thanked his teammates for boosting his spirit during the competition.
He said: “I think I did pretty well considering it’s my first SEA Games with the immense pressure. (Team cheers) helped lift my spirits and lift my spirits and mood to complete my routine. We are all proud of ourselves for giving what we have and doing our best.
The men’s gymnasts will then be in action on Sunday in the individual events, while the women’s team final will take place on Saturday.
