Penang’s Emanuelle Excels In The Pool

S. Rajasingam

IN SYNC: Emanuelle won two gold medals

EMANUELLE MAH THIL DA was a sight to behold at the national schools aquatics championships in Paroi. The pretty girl collected gold medals in the Under-15 individual and duet sychronised events.

In the individual event, she led Penang to a complete sweep of the top three spots by collecting 66.096 points to push Tasha Jane (60.429) into silver medal position, while Leong Jie Xi finished third with 59.40. In the duet, Emanuelle-Tasha grabbed the gold by garnering 63.304 points, to finish ahead of teammates Leong-Yew Yun Qing (59.109) and Kuala Lumpur’s Foong Yan Nie-Chen Yong Xing who collected 58.062 points.

Her highest international achievement was in July 2007 at the Thailand Open where Emanuelle emerged champion in the Under-12 individual and duet with Tasha. Emanuelle also excelled as a student as she obtained 6As and one B (in Chinese comprehension) in the UPSR examinations two years ago.

The cheerful lass started swimming at age six and joined Penang’s synchronised swimming programme at the end of 2005. Emanuelle tasted early success at the Penang Games (Sukpen) in February 2005 with a gold medal in the routine event. She loves to dance and that passion also shows in synchronised swimming.

The 14-year-old trains at Penang International Sports Arena (Pisa) with her Penang teammates six days a week.

“I train under Penang coach Yan Lei, who is from China,” said Emanuelle. “I love synchronised swimming because of the music and diverse movements which I sometimes choreograph. “I also love travelling, meeting people and making new friends.”

Emanuelle has two younger siblings — sister Esther and brother Joshua. Her role model is France’s former world No 1 Virginie Dedieu.