KUALA LUMPUR: National artistic gymnastics coach Ng Shu Wai is not setting a target for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games as he fears the pressure of winning medals will affect his gymnast.
Malaysia will be represented by Farah Ann Abdul Hadi, Tan Ing Yeh, Tracie Ang and Nur Azira Aziri in artistic gymnastics.
Shu Wai, who won silver medals the 2006 Doha Asian Games (men’s vault) and the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games (floor), said the goal is for his gymnast to reach the final first.
“Anything can happen in gymnastics. Even a world champion can make mistakes. We need to focus on reaching the final first,” said Shu Wai.
“However, I am confident that they can do well as they have improved from four years ago,” said Shu Wai, who sees Australia and New Zealand as contenders for the event.
As a former gymnast, Shu Wai not only coaches his gymnasts but also motivates them in all aspects.
“They are confident but not at an optimum level. They need to work harder to achieve their goals,” said Shu Wai, whose 2006 medal was Malaysia’s last podium finish in the Commonwealth Games.
In the 2014 Glasgow edition, the national artistic team finished eighth overall while Farah was placed 11th in the individual event.
Tracie and Ing Yueg could upset the form book following their achievements of winning titles at the 2016 World Cup in Ljubljana, Slovenia.