Sports Darling

Meet the rhythmic gymnast who twirled her way into the hearts of Malaysians

- Lainey Loh.

Point of view: It’s a rainy Sunday morning and I’m sat in the photographer’s studio in suburban Kuala Lumpur, waiting for a very talented guest to join us for a special shoot to commemorate Malaysia Day. In the weeks leading up to today, she has dominated headlines across all major news outlets and was front and centre of the social media buzz all owing to her recent successes at the international multi-sport event for members of the Commonwealth of Nations. She’s none other than overnight gymnastics sensation, 16-year-old Ng Joe Ee.

She arrives with her chaperones—her mom and dad—and is at first shy but quickly warms up at the mention of, “Congratulations on your recent wins! So happy for you!” She beams in response.

In August, the Malaysian rhythmic gymnast made history when she clinched two individual gold medals at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. The debutante stunned the judges when she took the mat in Arena Birmingham to perform in the individual ball and ribbon events— mesmerising performances that put her among the world’s top scorers.