PUTRAJAYA: Synchronised swimming is making a comeback to the SEA Games after an absence of 10 years and Katrina Ann Hadi is hoping to make the best of it.
The event was last held in the 2001 Games in KL where Malaysia swept all five gold medals in contention.
The 19-year-old Katrina, who emerged as the best in the country following a fifth place finish in the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi last year, won gold at the Sukma in Malacca earlier this year.
Invaluable experience: Katrina Ann Hadi (right) and Shareen Png competing at the World Championships in Shanghai in July.
She was also part of the team that competed in the World Championships in Shanghai in July. Although Malaysia only finished 20th, their performance was the best of the region and that augurs well for the SEA Games challenge in Palembang.
“It means a lot to us that synchronised swimming is finally back in the Games. We intend to make full use of this opportunity,” said Katrina.
“The team have not had any competitions since Shanghai and although we only came in 20th, we managed to do better than our SEA rivals.
“We have been training hard, especially over the last month, and are targeting at least two gold medals of the five at stake.
“Personally, I feel that we have what it takes to win gold. However, as a subjective sport, Indonesia will have the advantage,” said Katrina, who will compete in all five events - the team combination, technical and free routines and the technical and free duet.
The other swimmers in the team are Shareen Png, Zylane Lee, Yeo Pei Ling, Tan May Mei, Mandy Yeap, Tasha Jane, Gan Zhen Yu, Emanuelle Mah and Lee Yhing Huey.
They are training at the National Aquatic Centre and will depart for Palembang on Nov 15.
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