KUALA LUMPUR – It was an emotional goodbye for national gymnastics queen Farah Ann Abdul Hadi as she officially announced her retirement as a competitive gymnast today.
“After a considerable amount of deliberation, I have decided to announce my retirement as a competitive gymnast.
“I am proud and honoured to have been a gymnast for the past 25 years, having started at the age of three, and represented Malaysia for 18 years,” said a teary-eyed Farah at a press conference in Menara SuezCap.
A few days ago, Farah announced her retirement on her social media page.
She clarified that her retirement is not due to injuries, nor the ability to cope with injuries she sustained throughout her career as a professional gymnast.
“I am also not retiring due to the rule changes in competitive gymnastics.
“I have gone through many cycles of rule changes during my career and I’m happy to be able to change my routine in order to cope with the rule changes,” she added.
Having reached the pinnacle of the sport and achieved all her goals, Farah said she is ready to step away from the competitive scene, giving way for future generations to pave their way in the world of gymnastics for the country.
She said although the decision to step away from the competitive scene was tough, it is the right decision for herself in the end.
“In honouring and staying true to myself, I am truly grateful and thankful that as an athlete, I am able to retire on my terms,” said Farah.
She thanked all those who have been by her side in the span of her impressive 25 years as a gymnast, including her family, coaches, fellow gymnasts, and the Malaysian people.
“I’ll always be a part of gymnastics as it is my passion, and hopefully I can give something back to the sport that has given me so much.
“I may be retiring as an athlete, but I will continue to be a part of the sport.
“As I embark on my new journey, wherever I may go, I will always believe in myself,” she said.
Farah was joined by her coach Natalya Sinkova of Russia, who praised Farah for breaking barriers in the gymnastics scene for the country.
“She gave Malaysian gymnastics a face, a recognisable face.
“People know her, she gave style to Malaysia and inspire future gymnasts to be the best they can be.
“There will be many more future gymnasts from Malaysia, but there will only be one Farah Ann,” she proudly said about Farah.
Farah’s parents shared their emotions during the press conference as well, sharing the pride they fell for their daughter that has brought glory to the country and to herself.
“We are such proud parents, my husband and I are both athletes and to see her achieve all this, and so much more than we have makes us so proud of her,” said Farah’s mother Kimberly Ann Gagnon.
For now, Farah said she intends to take some time for herself and spend family time with her sister Katrina Ann, who is a former national synchronized swimmer.
She added that she has started judging gymnastics competitions and wants to take courses with the aim of being able to judge international competitions.
“Maybe in the future, I can start an academy to nurture future gymnasts, and conduct camps to give inspiration to future generations, maybe even a Farah Ann Cup.
“But for now, I will miss competing, that is my personality, to show the world who Malaysian gymnasts are.
“I will miss training too, but I am excited to see what’s next for me,” she added.
Farah was named 2019 Female Olympian of the Year by the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) and was the flag bearer at the 2019 World University Games in Naples, Italy.
She claimed seven gold medals at the SEA Games, with three from the 2019 SEA games in the Philippines.
“Always believe in yourselves and all your dreams,” said Farah with her iconic smile. – The Vibes, March 14, 2022
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