SELANGOR: Not long ago, Yoyo Wong Zhi Yao was helping her grandmother at a kopitiam in Sibu after leaving school.
On Tuesday (Aug 18), the 18-year-old stood atop the podium after winning the women’s hammer throw gold medal at the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) XXII, capping a remarkable rise in just 18 months based on a report by TVS.
Yoyo produced a personal-best throw of 48.14m to clinch the title on her SUKMA debut, fulfilling a dream of contributing a gold medal to Sarawak.
“I am very happy with today’s achievement because I managed to contribute a gold medal for Sarawak. It has always been my dream to win gold for the state,” she told TVS after the event.
Her journey back into athletics began when coach Jackie Wong spotted her potential despite her having stopped training for more than two years.
“I saw that she had potential, even though she had stopped training for about two years.
“In quite a short period, around one-and-a-half years, she has reached this level. I am very proud of her achievement,” he said.
Jackie credited Yoyo’s work ethic and determination as the biggest reasons behind her rapid progress.
“When she comes to training, she gives her full effort because she really wants to throw farther.
“Every day, that’s what she thinks about. It’s her dream every time she trains,” he said.
Yoyo has also trained in China alongside coaches and athletes capable of throwing between 40m and 50m, experience Jackie believes accelerated her development.
With SUKMA gold now around her neck, the focus shifts to an even bigger stage.
Jackie revealed the next target is qualifying Yoyo for next year’s SEA Games, with the young thrower already reaching 50m to 51m in training and aiming to consistently surpass 53m.
“I believe she has the potential based on the progress she has shown this year.
“I also believe she can go much further in this sport,” he said.
