Sisters shine for Singapore as Amanda and Emma Yap clinch artistic gymnastics silvers at SEA Games

BANGKOK: For sisters Emma and Amanda Yap, watching each other take to the arena at the Thammasat University Gymnasium 5 in Pathum Thani was just as, if not more, stressful than competing themselves.

But there was no need for worry. Instead, it was a day of celebration, as they clinched a silver medal each for Singapore at the 33rd SEA Games on Friday (Dec 12).

Sixteen-year-old Amanda scored 12.733 and finished behind Malaysia’s Yeap Kang Xian (13.233) in the balance beam event. Aleah Finnegan of the Philippines clinched bronze (12.467).

In the floor final, older sister Emma, 20, also took silver (12.633), behind Thailand's Sasiwimon Mueangphuan (13.367). Indonesia's Salsabilla Pamungkas finished with the bronze.

"(It's) really special," said Amanda. "Being able to do it with her makes it even more special. We feel really happy to represent Singapore and achieve such an amazing result."

"We just came into this competition, trying to do our best, hit our routines, make them clean, without expecting any big results," added Emma. "We're just really pumped right now."

Watching each other compete was nerve-wracking, said the duo.

"I was more nervous watching Amanda than for my own final ... I'm glad that she pulled through, I knew I was more at peace when I was going into my (event)," said Emma.

"Yesterday she was feeling not very well, she was kind of sick," added Amanda. "I'm glad she managed to make it through."

Amanda ends a two-decade-long wait for an individual SEA Games balance beam medal.

According to the Singapore National Olympic Council, the last Singaporean to clinch a SEA Games medal in the event was Tabitha Tay in 2005, when she also took silver.

In October, Amanda made history as the first Singaporean gymnast to qualify for a world championships final, eventually placing sixth in the balance beam.

Emma's silver is the first medal a Singaporean woman has won in the floor event since Lim Heem Wei's second-place finish in 2011. 

On Friday, the girls' grandparents and parents were in the stands cheering them on.

"We have one of the most supportive parents and family around," said Emma. "They always come to our competitions, even if they have to travel or take time off work to do so ... We are very, very grateful to have such doting family members."