After winning gold, Koh celebrates her victory and a new feline friend.
Text: Fourteen-year-old fencer Elle Koh recently fulfilled her dream of owning a pet after clinching a gold medal at the 31st SEA Games. For a long time, she had hoped for a cat or dog, and her parents promised her a pet if she won a medal in an individual tournament abroad. With her recent success, she was thrilled to finally bring a cat into her home.
Koh’s journey to victory was not without its challenges. Competing in the women’s individual epee event, she faced off against her close friend and defending champion, Kiria Tikanah. The match was intense, culminating in a nail-biting sudden death round where Koh triumphed 12-11. “It was very nerve-wracking,” she admitted. “I didn’t expect to win at all.” Despite her nerves, she adapted her strategy, focusing on her opponent’s movements.
Elle’s path to the SEA Games was remarkable, especially considering the obstacles she faced leading up to the competition. Her father, Henry Koh, who is also her coach, noted that her qualification was not easy, coming down to the last event and bout. “She had to go through a lot of ups and downs,” he explained, emphasizing her resilience in a challenging process.
Before her triumph, Koh struggled during the preliminary rounds, winning only two of her four bouts. “In the pools, I was worried about getting hit and had the wrong mentality,” she reflected. After receiving guidance, she shifted her focus, allowing her to find her rhythm and ultimately achieve her goal.
With her victory, Elle not only made history as a SEA Games gold medalist but also surpassed her father’s achievements, who won a bronze in the men’s foil event in 2003. “I thought it was quite a coincidence that my first one is in Hanoi,” she said, celebrating her success.
Looking ahead, Koh recognizes the pressure that comes with her newfound fame but remains determined to continue striving for excellence. She expressed gratitude for her accomplishments and plans to celebrate with her family. As she embraces her gold medal and her beloved cat, Cookie, Elle Koh’s journey is a testament to hard work and dedication, inspiring many young athletes.
