She suffered another kick on the same spot a few days later and doctors advised her to pull out of the Games or risk paralysis if the injury was aggravated.
But the 19-year-old synchronised swimmer was determined to compete in the Games and coach Long Yan eventually relented. But Zylane was only named as a reserve in the technical and free team event ... until yesterday.
The free team combination, the final synchronised swimming event required all 10 swimmers to compete or risk having their points deducted.
A determined Zylane bravely took the plunge, suffering another kick right at the start of the routine. The brave lass performed through the pain barrier as Malaysia scored their fifth win for a clean sweep of all the gold medals at stake.
Zylane, visibly in pain and barely able to stand after the routine, was all smiles as she lined up to collect the precious gold medal.
“I was kicked twice on the back of my neck two weeks ago and it was really painful down to the spine. It made me feel numb,” said Zylane, who started synchronised swimming when she was only six.
“Doctors told me to rest for six weeks as they feared the injury could lead to paralysis. But I was determined to make the trip.
“I got yet another kick in the back when our routine started as I was the last one to dive in and had to swim past the others. I felt numb instantly but I managed to hold out till the end.
“Having won the gold, I definitely feel relieved and happy as the risk was worth it.”
Long Yan explained that she had not wanted to put Zylane at risk, but there was no choice as the entire synchronised swimming squad only had 10 members.
“She desperately wanted to be here and was initially entered for three events. But I kept her as a reserve until the free team combination which required all 10 swimmers to perform,” said Long Yan.
“It’s back to serious rest for her now and she should heed the doctor’s advice.”
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