As our Commonwealth Games athletes embark on their journey towards the XXII Commonwealth Games (CWG) in Birmingham, let us get a sneak peek at what our athletes have been up to!

Last Wednesday, 7 July 2022, The British High Commission invited Team Singapore to a send-off party, combined with Team Singapore Flag Presentation. The event venue was at the British High Commissioner's Residence Eden Hall, with some members of the Parliament present on site. Our Rhythmic Gymnasts had the honour of meeting the Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Mr. Eric Chua. Singapore Gymnastics was also well represented that evening by our 2012 Olympian, Lim Heem Wei, the Chef De Mission of this Commonwealth Games, and will lead Team Singapore in Birmingham!

This CWG, we will be fielding the first teams for our Women Artistic Gymnastics (WAG) and Rhythmic Gymnastics (RG) since the 2014 edition of the Games. Along with two male gymnasts set to represent Singapore as individual athletes in the Men Artistic Gymnastics (MAG) competition.

2021 31st SEA Games WAG Team Bronze Medalist Shandy Poh, mentioned that her team has been training hard and motivating one another in their competition preparation. With a simple goal, "To do my best for the team and make my teammates and myself proud!"

Did you know Shandy had her entire big toenail ripped off before the team competition? However, her resilient nature and determination to contribute to the final score for the Team event were at the top of her priority list, and she has made Singapore so proud!

Meanwhile, two times Major Games MAG debutant Mikhail Haziq, whose pet event is the Pommel Horse shared, “I am excited to be participating for my first ever Commonwealth Games! It is nerve-wracking, but I am also very thankful to be given this opportunity. I look forward to the experience, and I hope to be able to perform and succeed with the best routine while making myself as well as my nation proud.”

With nine debutants in this team of ten, we have asked 2010 CWG silver medallist and Chief De Mission, Lim Heem Wei, to share her experiences and give some words of encouragement to the team. “The Commonwealth Games has always been one of my favourite major games because of the balance between providing the athletes a high level of competition and a high-spirited, vibrant atmosphere. I wish every athlete to achieve their performance goals and to soak up the atmosphere at this Games!”

Hoe Wah Toon, Singapore's first-ever gymnast to qualify for the CWG and Bronze Vault Medallist in the 2014 CWG added on. “The Commonwealth Games is my favourite Major Games, so I am excited for you guys headed to Birmingham because I know it will be an experience of a lifetime! Wishing the team all the best, and remember to enjoy the process too!“.

It takes a village to raise an athlete. This time, we will bring that village to Birmingham! Alongside our CWG Team, we are sending four WAG Junior athletes – Colleen Hong, Isabelle Lau, Emma Goh, and Danielle Fong, who will attend a training camp at Sandbach Gymnastics! Former Masterclass Expert, Ms. Daniela Nanova, who was recently in Singapore, will be working with the athletes and doing some choreography, dance, and artistic work. The Junior girls will also stay on and cheer our CWG Team live at the arena!

With CWG coming up around the corner, we are calling out to our Gymnastics community in Singapore to continue and cheer our athletes! It may be in the form of posting photos or videos of encouragement, and please do include #roarforgymnastics on your socials!