Formula One driver captures medals at the 28th SEA Games as they conclude in Singapore's new national stadium
The Closing Ceremony tonight at Singapore’s new national Stadium, following two weeks of non-stop sporting action, was attended by 50,000 spectators. With eleven countries competing in 43 events in these 28th SEA Games, four countries dominated throughout. Finally, as the last event concluded on Tuesday, Thailand secured 95 gold medals to top the scoreboard, Singapore 84, Vietnam 73 and Malaysia 62. Malaysia will host the next SEA Games in 2017.
The SEA Games included both Wakeboard and Waterski events which produced many spectacular performances and 18 national records on the pristine waters of Bedok Reservoir. Women and Men were included in each category.
As the first Malaysian to race in Formula One, Alex Yoong made his debut in a Minardi in 2001 at the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. He also commentated for ESPN, worked with Lotus Racing and competed in the legendary Le Mans 24 hour race. To the surprise of many, this week he appeared on the Waterski entry list at the SEA Games. To the delight of all, using that Formula One determination, he battled his way to the podium with Bronze medals in both Jump and Slalom and then went on to capture the Silver medal in the Overall category. However, that is not the end of this waterski family story. Alex Yoong’s 11 year-old sister Aaliyah took three medals – Gold in both Overall and Tricks and Silver in Jump. Finally, her 9 year-old brother Aidan then brought the family total to seven medals with his Bronze in Tricks. An extraordinary family achievement.
In the Wakeboard Team Overall competition, Thailand was very impressive throughout and took the Gold Medal, followed by Singapore and the Philippines. IWWF World Cup athlete Sasha Christian (SIN) dominated taking the individual Womens Gold medal, followed by Panyapa Tangsirirat (THA) and Saitip Lara Rotrakarn (THA). In the Mens event, IWWF World Cup athlete Padiwat Jaemjan (THA) added the Gold medal to Thailand’s impressive haul, ahead of Tatsanai Kuakoonrat (THA) and Mark Griffin (PHI).
In the Waterski events, Slalom, Tricks and Jump were featured.
In Women’s Slalom, with a Wakeboard Gold medal already in her possession, Sasha Christian SIN added the Slalom Gold, a very unusual achievement, followed by Ummu Sholikah (INA) and Kalya Kee (SIN). In Men’s Slalom, it was Singapore’s Mark Leong who took this one, followed by Indra Hardinata (INA) and Formula One driver Alex Yoong (MAL).
In Women’s Tricks, as mentioned, Malaysia’s 11 year-old sensation Aaliyah Hanifah Yoong totally dominated with a score of 6110 points, followed by Nur Prambodo (INA) and Kalya Kee (SIN). In Men’s Tricks, Indonesia’s Feb. Febrianto captured the Gold medal, followed once again by Alex Yoong (MAS) and Mark Leong (SIN).
The Waterski Jump event always grabs attention and the Bedok Reservoir spectators were not disappointed this time. All wondered how that Formula One driver Alex Yoong MAS, with his aching knees, would cope with the 100kph approach to the Ramp. Three skiers dominated – and they did include Alex Yoong! His distance of 37.1m was only just beaten by Feb. Febrianto (INA) with 39.8m. However, this time the Gold medal was decisively taken by Ade Hermana with 45.1m. with Febrianto taking Silver and Yoong settling for Bronze.
When the Waterski Overall points were calculated, Alex Yoong (MAS) was certainly not disappointed with his capturing of the Silver medal, just behind the Gold medalist Feb. Febrianto (INA), with Indonesia’s Ade Hermana taking the Bronze.
As Singapore’s President Tony Tan declared the Games over, following the emotional speech of Tan Chuan-Jin, President of the SEA Games Federation, the 17,000 volunteers received an ovation from all in the magnificent new National Stadium at this region’s biggest multi-sport event.
MEDAL STANDINGS & RESULTS
SINGAPORE WATERSKI & WAKEBOARD FEDERATION
INTERNATIONAL WATERSKI & WAKEBOARD FEDERATION
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