EX-BALLERINA Gan Hua Wei twisted and turned to the music “Torn”, a soundtrack from the movie High Strung to win the synchronised swimming solo technical routine Sea Games gold at National Aquatic Centre yesterday.
The Negri Sembilan-born won by a mere 0.0133 points with a 73.8386 total ahead of Singapore’s silver medallist Debbie Soh (73.8253). Singaporean Miya Yong took bronze with a 72.3769 total.
Hua Wei, 18, and Debbie were on par in terms of points given for execution and impression. However, the Malaysian won the title after garnering 28.8386 points for element compared to Debbie’s 28.8253.
“I took up ballet when I was two years old before I quit in 2014 after I made it to the national team,” said a delighted Hua Wei, who won two silver medals in the 2015 edition in Singapore, yesterday.
“I felt pumped up when I walked onto the podium to start my routine as the fans especially my father and younger sister were cheering so loudly.
“I felt motivated as my teammate and sister Gan Zhen Yu, who came out first to perform, was in third position before it was my turn in the pool.
Asked why she chose the music “Torn”, Hua Wei said she watched the movie “High Strung” a year ago and fell in love with the soundtrack composed by Nathan Lanier.
“Lanier is a violinist and I like his music. I then decided to adopt it for my performance last year,” said Hua Wei, who the silver medal in the same event at last year’s German Open.
Earlier, Zylane Lee performed gracefully to the Spanish version of Demi Lovato's “Stone Cold” for the solo free routine silver medal.