Singapore's Men's Artistic Gymnastics squad clinch their 1st medal in 7 years!

(Singapore’s Men’s Artistic Gymnastics Team celebrates their podium finish at the 31st SEA Games in Vietnam. Photo Credit: Sport Singapore/Stanley Cheah)

By Angelina Dass

“It was all worth it!”, said 21-year-old gymnastics debutant Kaeson Lim as he claimed his bronze medal at the 31st Southeast Asian (SEA) Games on May 13.

The Singapore’s Men’s Artistic Gymnastics team made up of Lim, Chong Jer Rong, Mikhail Haziq Ghazali, Robin Sim, Terry Tay, and Zac Liew scored 297.650, just edging out Malaysia to clinch a spot on the podium. Hosts Vietnam won the gold with a score of 331.250, while the Philippines scored 301.600 for the Silver.

(TeamSG's Kaeson Lim Jun Yi in action on the Pommel Horse. Photo Credit: Sport Singapore/Stanley Cheah)

This is the sport's first medal of the Hanoi Games, and the first Men's team medal since 2015 . A victory made all the sweeter as the 6-man team includes four debutants.

28-year-old team captain Terry Tay was also part of the bronze medal-winning squad from seven years ago. Speaking to The Straits Times, he said the two moments cannot be compared. Sharing insights into this team’s journey to the Games, he said it was not easy as they had to balance studies, National Service or work. He credited the win to the deep trust they had in each other.

“They say if you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go as a team,” he said.

(Team Singapore’s Jer Rong Chong in action on the Pommel Horse. Photo Credit: Sport Singapore/Stanley Cheah)

The Men’s team will be back in the gymnasium on May 15 to compete in individual events, while the women’s team final will take place on May 14.

The 31st SEA Games is held in Hanoi, Vietnam from 12 to 23 May 2022. For the latest Team Singapore coverage and news, follow Team Singapore on their social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) or visit the official Team Singapore website.