2014 YOG: National back-up gymnast Olivia aims to reach semis

National back-up gymnast, Olivia Tai Qing Tong is aiming to reach the semifinal at least despite making her debut at the Youth Olympics Games (2014 YOG) here.

The Games kicks off today with 3,800 athletes from 204 nations competing in the over the next 12 days.

Olivia, 14, said her personal target was to advance to the semi-final first before aspiring to set a bigger target or step on the podium.

"I dare not set a higher target than advancing to the semi-final, but it does not mean I don't want to contribute medals to the country because all athletes competing at any championship do not want to return empty-handed," she told Bernama here Saturday.

The gymnast who garnered a gold, a silver and a bronze medal in the individual Rhythmic Gymnastic Clubs at the 13th Asian Youth Rhythmic Gymnastic Championship at Putra Stadium, Bukit Jalil in February, said she was prepared to face any eventuality during the championship.

The Form Five student from SM Convent Bukit Nanas will be taking part in the Rhythmic gymnastics ribbons and sticks events at the Nanjing Olympic Sports Centre Natatorium on Aug 26.

Olivia said her hope after this was to qualify for the Rio Olympic Games in Brazil in 2017 and would bank on her experience at 2014 YOG.

"The 2014 YOG is very important to me because I will be able to learn many new things here, especially when many of the best gymnasts in the world are gathered in Nanjing," she said.

She said although the host team was not taking part at the present edition, it did not mean she was in a comfortable zone as there were many more outstanding gymnasts in the world who were set to give a stiff contest.

"I will do my level best to cut down on mistakes to get the highest points on the day of the championship to get a slot to the quarter final and subsequently to the semi-final," she added.