However, after everything was done and dusted, the 19-year-old Katrina and duet partner Shareen Png were proud owners of five glittering gold medals having swept all the events.
The duo are the only athletes to have won five gold medals here. Bowler Adrian Ang is next best with his four.
Katrina-Shareen, having already delivered golds in the free duet, technical duet, free team and technical team events, were once again at their dazzling best in the fifth and final event, the free team combination, yesterday.
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| Wonderful show: Katrina Ann Hadi and Shareen Png showing off the five gold medals they won in synchronised swimming in Jakabaring. |
Performing to the song ‘Rio de Janeiro’, the team scored 75.363 points to easily win gold as Malaysia stamped their authority on the sport.
Singapore scored 73.101 to take silver while Indonesia were a distant third with 71.713.
A delighted Katrina could hardly contain her excitement after helping Malaysia to yet another grand finish.
“I came with only a three-gold target in mind and I’ve won five – that’s a real bonus,” said the pretty Katrina.
“Right now my priority is to try and qualify for the London Olympics next year but it won’t be easy.
“My personal target is the 2016 Olympics and, hopefully, I’ll continue swimming until then.”
Duet partner Shareen, who at 27 is the oldest in the team, echoed Katrina’s sentiments.
“It feels great to have won five gold medals. I’m really thankful that I managed to remain patient all this time. It has been really worth the wait,” said Shareen.
“I’m not that young anymore so I really want to try and qualify for the London Olympics as it could be my last hurrah.
“I’ll be going for the Olympic qualifier, in London next April, with Katarina. Hopefully, we’ll make it, but there are only about six slots left.”
This is the second time since the 2001 KL Games that Malaysia have made a clean sweep in synchronised swimming.
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