IMPACT 0441: FORMER ATHLETE TAKES RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS IN SINGAPORE TO GREATER HEIGHTS

Hello! My name is Yi Lin and I’m 27 this year! I currently work as an analyst in a real estate firm. Since I was young, my life heavily revolved around rhythmic gymnastics which formed a big part of my childhood. I used to be a national rhythmic gymnast who represented Singapore in several major international competitions.

Being a national athlete comes with a lot of sacrifices and determination. Since primary school, my typical weekday involves going to school, rushing to training, and then going home for dinner before starting on my homework. There is not much room for social life or hanging out with friends. However, I believe that the sport has shaped me positively into who I am today.

My proudest moment is when I stood alongside my teammates on the Youth Olympic Games floor, representing Singapore in the inaugural Youth Olympic Games 2010. This was the first major competition that the Singapore Rhythmic Gymnastics team had set on stage and while the pressure was immense, the experience was a once in a lifetime one.

Throughout my journey as a rhythmic gymnast, I’ve gained many friendships locally and internationally. While we are competitors, we are also good friends outside of the competition. They became some of my closest friends and are always there to support me throughout my journey.

Being a “retired” gymnast, I still enjoy being part of the gymnastic committee. Apart from my full-time job, I also do part-time coaching and am actively involved in the international judging scene. I hope to continue spreading rhythmic gymnastics as a beautiful and developmental sport for young girls.