For the first time in history, a Singaporean has been accredited by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) Men’s Technical Committee (MTC) to have a skill named after him.
Terry Tay Wei An, 19, performed the move on the rings at the 2013 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships on 30 September, which was thereafter given the name “Tay” by the committee. In the FIG Code of Points, it is categorised as an “E” - or Execution - value skill.
In execution, the move is done by flipping and ending in a V position. The important thing to note is that the body must be in a straight posture while executing the flip and elbows have to locked. Tellingly, the “Tay” has also been categorised as having the second highest degree of difficulty on the rings.
“Of course, I’m excited and happy that I've managed to put Singapore and Singapore gymnastics on the world map,” says the Nanyang Polytechnic student, of having the skill he developed with his team coach and team-mates recognised by the international body.
“Especially because it’s the first time Singapore is being represented at the World Gymnastic Championships and it’s also the Singapore men's [team’s] first appearance.”
Terry has been practising and refining his technique for the skill with his team coach in the recent months leading up to the championships.
“The move, like other moves on the ring, requires a lot of power and strength as it goes against the human limits,” he says.
“You need anaerobic endurance, especially for the flipping part as it's also not easy to hold on in static positions.”
Which is why he is thankful for the support he has had in his journey with the “Tay” so far.
“Many people think gymnastics is an individual sport, but it actually requires a team,” the Nanyang Polytechnic student says, going on to thank his team coach, team judge, and team-mates for helping in the creation of the “Tay”.
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