SINGAPORE, June 5 — Her decision to postpone her studies at Monash University Malaysia for a year paid off as Katrina Ann Abdul Hadi clinched the country’s first gold medal at the Singapore SEA Games yesterday.

Katrina flashed a big smile when interviewed, saying she decided to postponed her Degree in Business, Commerce and Communications even before the Incheon Asian Games last September.

“I sacrificed a lot for this sport. I gave my 200 per cent

“Believed it or not, I hardly even get to see my family because I’ve been training hard.

“I can’t even remember the last time I went for a movie or hung out with friends,” she said, adding she plans to celebrate with her family in Malaysia when the Games end.

Katrina said her father Abdul Hadi Ahmad’s first appearance at the Games as team manager for the women’s artistic gymnastic team also played a big role.

“My dad and sister (Farah Ann), who is competing in the artistic event tomorrow, were here to cheer me.

“This is just some sort of family event now. I’m happy as my family is here to see my achievement today after all the hardship,” she said.

Katrina and Zylane Lee emerged victorious in the synchronised swimming duet event at the OCBC Aquatics Centre.

The duo scored 150.9103  points while Singapore’s Crystal Yap-Stephanie Chen took silver with 149.8372. 

Indonesia’s Claudia Megawati Suyanto and Anisa Feritrianti were third (139.0880).

Katrina said she might postpone her studies for another year to prepare for the World Championship in Kazan, Russia, next month.

“SEA Games is not the end. Now my aim is to earn my first Olympics ticket in Kazan.

“I would never hesitate to keep postponing my studies and forgo my social life for my country.”

Later in the evening, Katrina and Lee teamed up with Foong Yan Nie, Gan Hua Wei, Gan Zhen Yu, Kwong Zhi Kei, Lee Yiat Lum, Lee Yiat Xin and Tasha Jane Taher Ali in free combination for a silver with 73.7333 points.

Singapore won gold with 77.0667 while Indonesia finished third (71.6667).

Malaysia synchro swimmers wrapped up the Games with one gold and two silvers.