2006 Women and Sports Award Recipient
 Ms.
Petrina Low Lai Hun
“It is a special dream has come true for Rhythmic Gymnastics. Rhythmic Gymnastics is a sport of true grit and raw courage. It is not for the weak and indisciplined. As a coach, nothing can be achieved without the support of the parents of the gymnasts who have to provide the home environment for these young girls. It is a milestone in the sports arena. I hope this will encourage more coaches and officials to reach for higher goals to put Malaysia in the forefront of sports.”
Petrina Low is an outstanding example of how one person can change sport. Starting as one of the pioneers in the sport about 20 years ago, she actively involved as coach, coach educator, judge, event organizer and motivator to develop the sport at all levels from schools and grassroots level to national and international levels.
Her dedication and commitment to rhythmic gymnastics has established her school as the foremost RG school in the country. Her state teams are among the best in the country and her national athletes completely dominate the sport in South East Asia. In fact her athletes are now winning medals at Asian Games and Commonwealth Games level:
- Farrah Hanim Imran – first gymnast from South east Asia to qualify for World Championship in Spain, 1993
- Christine Loke – Commonwealth Games, 1994
- Carolyn Au – Commonwealth Games, 1998 (Team Gold)
- Durratun Nashihin – Commonwealth Games 2006 (4 silvers)
In a conservative society and a predominantly Muslim country which discourages women participation in sport and consider gymnastics attire as “provocative and undesirable”, Petrina has been able to create a breakthrough with her emphasis on character building, values and ethics. She now commands strong support group of parents.
Petrina has made such impact that her expertise is used to put up displays and choreograph national and inter-national events organized by the Government of Malaysia like Independence Day Celebrations (1985 until 2005). She has also choreographed the Opening Ceremony of the Commonwealth Games 1998, televised live to 70 countries and produced and directed the 2006 FIG Gala in Kuala Lumpur held to mark the International Federation’s Anniversary. Coupled with her relations with the media, Petrina has been able to promote women participation and using sport to all coners of the country.
Petrina has also led many national teams to international competitions and acted as Technical Official to numerous internationals. Presently the Government has specially selected her and charged her with the task of taking Rhythmis Gymnastics to the rural areas and all small towns – a new initiative by the Federal Government.
For her outstandingly contributions to the sport and the country, she has been given numerous awards by the Government, the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Olympic Council of Malaysia, awards like:
- Women and Sports Award, 2006 – by the Olympic Council of Malaysia.
- Dedicated Coach Award, 1994 – by the Ministry of Education.
- Coach of the Year Award, 1997 – by the National Sports Council.
- Pillar of the School Award, 1998 – by the Education Department.
Petrina is unsurpassed in her commitment, dedication and passion for the sport and has passed up numerous job and promotional offers in her career to devote herself completely to Rhythmic Gymnastics. She is a great example and role model for her sport and for the Olympic Movement.
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