Grace optimistic of breaking into top eight in Commonwealth Games debut

KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 (Bernama) -- National women’s hammer thrower, Grace Wong Xiu Mei is aspiring to be in the top eight in her debut at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England this month.

The gold medalist of the 31st SEA Games from Sarawak is not making her maiden appearance as an excuse not to put up her best performance and she is in fact game to renew her personal best.

“All contestants would be a challenge to me as this is my first time in the Commonwealth Games, nonetheless I think I could reach the final top eight.

“For me, there is a chance to create my personal best as my personal best now is the national record at 62.48 metres and in training, I sometimes hit 64m...so I think I can give others a fight, just need to be mentally strong,” she said when met recently.

In the remaining weeks, before the 2022 Commonwealth Games commences, Grace said she is really working hard in training to address her weaknesses and achieve her target.

Meanwhile, national men’s hammer thrower, Jackie Wong Siew Cheer said it is not impossible for him to be in the top eight based on his current performance which is better compared to 2018 Commonwealth Games.

“Competing with bigger countries is a challenge for Asians but I am targeting to reach the final round and I also hoped to rewrite my national record.

“It is possible for me as according to the previous Commonwealth Games rankings, I was ranked ninth so I am confident of improving my placing,” said the 31st SEA Games gold medalist who is holding the national record of 68.22 m.

--  BERNAMA