QUZANDRIAÂ Nur Mahamad Fathil defied the odds to clinch the individual dressage gold medal at the 3Q Equestrian Centre in Rawang on Thursday (24 Aug).
The 35-year-old not only came out of retirement to compete in the Games but is also five months into her pregnancy.
Quzandria Nur, riding Rosenstolz’, scored 152.029 points while her older brother, Qabil Ambak, astride Walkuere took the silver with 149.547 points.Â
Singapore’s Caroline Chew, mounting Tribiani, won the bronze with 145.988 points.
The siblings, together with Edric Lee Chin Hon and Quek Sue Yian, contributed to Malaysia’s first gold medal in the team dressage eventon Tuesday.
“This is an excitement day for me as it has always been my dream of winning gold in this event in the Games,” said an elated Quzandria Nur.
“I never expected to do better that Qabil as he is far more experienced,” she added. “This has come as a surprise.”
Former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Youth and Sports Minister YB Brig Gen Khairy Jamaluddin presented the medals.
Qabil, 37, who announced his retirement after the 2010 Quanzhou Asian Games, said he is equally excited with his sister’s achievement.
“Quzandria has been training constantly and very determined to win a gold medal here. I am happy for her as she truly deserves this gold,” he said, adding that they hope to be able to compete in the 2018 Games in Philippines.
