Sarah is a Full-time National Taekwondo (Poomsae-performing side of Taekwondo) Athlete, Athlete representative for the National Taekwondo team and Team Captain of the National Poomsae Team under the National Sports Council of Malaysia. She is also a senior instructor/ Poomsae coach at the World Taekwondo Academy.
“In my experience as a professional athlete, I have always believed that a growth in myself is a growth in others. I wanted to create a community that is empowered by the beauty and principles of sports through unity, peace and professional sportsmanship; and to educate people to embody values beneficial to their well-being and developments in life, especially in youths.”
In 2020, she participated in the 23rd National Olympic Academy Session for Young Participants. Sara was selected to represent the national Taekwondo association to participate in the academy session to discuss, debate and gain insight with notable speakers in sports regarding to topics such as Olympism, human rights in sports (freedom of speech, religion, and gender inequality), risk and abuse in sports, safeguarding athletes, inclusivity (para athletes), and Esports.
My experience as a psychology student, how it has impacted me to where I am today, and how it has paid off
As a full time athlete, I had a very hectic schedule of being overseas for competitions and training, so, I did not have a full campus life as most students would. I would have to delay semesters, or take subjects as few as 1 in a semester. I am grateful that the university was flexible in allowing me to schedule my studies around my competition seasons. It was extremely important to me because this allowed me to balance studies and sports conveniently and effectively. Everyone in the department (including students) were also all extremely helpful and encouraging towards my career. I felt like I had the best of both worlds!
The courses have impacted me in ways that were very beneficial to me in sports. I am more aware about my mental state (in given situations) and knew how to cope in adversities by using coping methods that are supported by research. This enabled me to be more focused and confident when faced with setbacks, and allowed me to make safe and efficient progresses in sports. Thus, I am also able to transfer my knowledge and skills to help my teammates, the youth and sporting communities I am involved with, and my audiences on social media.
Sara's Journey as an Athlete
During her 2018 tenure at the Olympic Council of Malaysia’s Athletes Commission, Sara was involved in matters regarding to athletic welfare, representing national athletes in being their voice pertaining to all matters in their sport; as well as inspire, educate, initiate and organize events to aid in athletic welfare.
In 2019, Sara was nominated by the national Taekwondo association to be the Malaysian representative to be elected as part of the World Taekwondo (WT) Athlete Commission. Sara was the only candidate from the Poomsae division (Taekwondo is divided into Sparring-combat; and Poomsae-performance), and the only candidate who was not involved in the Olympics (Poomsae is not included in the Olympics).
“I had managed to be in the final stages of election, where only 4 to 6 candidates were to be chosen (out of the final 11) based on a voting system at a championship. My vision and mission to be part of the committee was to be the voice of all athletes, especially in the Asian/SEA Region, and to represent all Poomsae Athletes from around the world.”
HELP Sportsman Award
As a student, Sara was also awarded as the HELP Sportswoman of the year (2014, 2017 & 2019).
“Receiving the Sportswoman Award has been an honour, and representing HELP has proven that we can be a university of excellence in academics and sports. It brings me great pride and joy to be able to have excellent education, support and recognition for my efforts in my sporting career. The HELP sportswoman awards has empowered all our students in achieving both academically, and in curricular activities. It is encouraging to see that the university has placed value in sports as an achievement for all. Bringing forth graduates who are multitalented in their fields, and empowering them to achieve more in life.”
At present, Sara has been involved in a few organizations, events/campaigns and awards, as listed below:
As a national Taekwondo athlete, Sara has contributed towards various medals, most notably in:
And have received awards such as Taekwondo Malaysia (TM) Best Performing Female Athlete of the Year (2018 & 2019).
Sara has also been invited in various campaigns/events as panel speaker such as:
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