KUALA LUMPUR: It was a day of emotional-high for both Anja Chong and Mohamad Ariff Rasydan who won the gold and bronze medals, respectively, as the speed skating (short track) event began at the Malaysia National Ice Skating Stadium (MYNISS), Empire City in Damansara Perdana, today.
Anja, who was overwhelmed with emotions, was seen crying on the podium during the prize giving ceremony as she watched the Malaysian flag being raised and 'Negaraku' played in the background.
“My family has gone above and beyond through all the hard times as they lifted me up and this is as much their win as it is mine.”
“I just want to thank them, Malaysia and all those who have supported me and this gold medal is for everyone, not just me.”
The 24-year-old finished with a time of 48.448s to clinch the gold medal ahead of heavy favourites Cheyenne Goh of Singapore who crashed out in the second lap.
The women’s 500m category also saw Malaysia’s Ashley Chin being penalised for impeding Goh which cost Malaysia the bronze medal as Thailand’s Vorravalan Leechinnaphat picked up the silver.
Like Anja, Ariff was emotional about his bronze medal win as it came unexpectedly.
Ariff took the bronze medal in the men’s 500m even after both compatriot De-Vin Wong and Thailand’s Teerasak Boonpok were both penalised which costed them the silver and bronze medals.
“It was so unexpected and all this is for my parents, my brother and for all of that that we’ve been through that lead us wanting to give up but we didn’t.”
“This is all on God’s will and I would like to thank everyone for the support.”
The decision made led Thailand’s Triphop Thongngam to winning gold as Indonesia’s Steavanus Wihardja takes the silver medal.
Meanwhile, Ariff and Anja will continue today as they compete in day two at the Sea Games.
Ariff will only compete in the men’s 3000m relay as his spot in the men’s 1000m has been replaced by Hazim Shahrom.
Ariff, who will be joined by De-Vin and Khairil Ridhwan, is optimistic about Malaysia’s chances in the relay but does not want to be too sure of himself.
“I am confident of our chances in the relay but I do not want to be overly confident.”
As for Anja, she will compete in both the women’s 1000m and the 3000m relay and wishes to carry on her winning momentum.
“I’m hoping it’s not over yet because I still have tomorrow (today) and hoping to come back, to show how much more Malaysia can do as well as have people say that she did it so I can do it too.”