SERIAN: The Sarawak women’s artistic gymnastics squad proudly added a bronze medal to their state’s tally, achieving third place in the women’s artistic gymnastics team finals at the 21st Malaysia Games (SUKMA).
Allya Kauthar Openg, Audi Zulkarnien, Audrey Jude Rendih Alexander, Cassandra Lavigne Shelden and Nur Qurratu Aini Norasharudin earned a total score of 172.700 points.
Federal Territories claimed the gold medal with a score of 174.050, while Selangor secured the silver with 173.500 points.
In addition to the team success, Cassandra also secured a bronze medal in the women’s artistic gymnastics all-around final with a score of 47.300. Selangor’s Cadence Zi Qi The won the gold with 49.600 points, and Marissa Zaiful Azian from the Federal Territories took silver with 47.750 points.
Sarawak’s head coach Maia Gvaramadze was satisfied with the team’s performance, saying they met their target and demonstrated significant progress from the previous SUKMA 2022, where they finished fourth in the team category.
“This achievement shows the squad’s continuous improvement,” said Gvaramadze. “It’s a huge motivation for the girls. Despite facing setbacks when their previous coaches left, they have made an impressive comeback, and I believe the next SUKMA will be even more successful for them.”
The gymnastics event, which offers a total of 14 gold medals, runs from Aug 21 to Aug 24.
Among the dignitaries present were Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development and Kedup assemblyman Datuk Martin Ben, Bukit Semuja assemblyman John Ilus, and Serian Resident Caroline Cleophas Joseph.
