National Gymnastics Queen Farah Ann Retires After 25 Years In The Sport

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According to Malaysia Gymnastics Federation (MGF) secretary-general Afrita Ariany Nasril, Farah was left out from the final list after she failed to clear the air revolving around her future with the national squad.

"From the beginning, we heard that Farah Ann is retiring and then wants to continue but for MGF we cannot wait until she gives the answer (on her future). Farah Ann had voiced her intention to retire in 2019 so from that moment we have already prepared two plans for the SEA Games, which is Plan A with Farah Ann and Plan B without her and now we opted to use Plan B in Hanoi," Bernama quoted Afrita Ariany as saying.

Taking to her Instagram page at around 4.40pm today, 12 March, the artistic gymnast announced her retirement from the sport after devoting 25 years of her life to it.

"25 years ago a little girl took a leap of faith and joined the crazy world of gymnastics. Entranced with being a gymnast, I embarked on a journey that would ultimately become my greatest passion," she wrote.

"Now after 25 amazing years in this sport, I am finally ready to say goodbye to being a competitive gymnast," she wrote as she thanked gymnastics for the wonderful memories and experiences she had.

"To all the people that I have met along the way, to all the guidance, love and support, thank you. It's been a ride of a lifetime, giving everything that I have, all my love, passion, and dedication."

She expressed joy at retiring on her own terms after making her dreams and goals come true and competing in the Olympic Games. She is only the third Malaysian gymnast to qualify for the Olympics.

"Gymnastics [...] will always be my passion, and hopefully, I can give something back to the sport that has truly given me so much. I may be retiring as an athlete but I will always continue to be involved in the world of sports."