“The qualification for the Hanoi SEA Games is a dream come true,” Natahsya tells us with a delight.
With many of her victories in mountain biking races, the Sabah-born Malaysian professional mountain biking athlete Natahsya Soon has capped the greatest years of her cycling life.
Going into the sport fully fit, she has enjoyed the best years of her career with consistently outstanding performances landing her the UCI Mountain Bike Series and other international titles to go along with, dominating the off-road trails, striving for the adrenaline rush.
With only three days to go until the 2022 Hanoi Southeast Asian Games – mountain biking cross country, one of the brightest stars in mountain biking shares with us her challenge, preparation, and expectations for the SEA Games.
After so many years of racing MTB downhill and cross country, how are you feeling about your qualification for the Hanoi SEA Games?
After a few years of trying hard to get a slot for the SEA Games in the downhill category, finally, I have managed to secure a qualification. Unfortunately, I was not qualified for the downhill category, but for cross country (XCO). I am very happy that what I have sacrificed over the years has paid off.
How would you describe your road to the Hanoi SEA Games so far?
My preparation for the SEA Games has been mentally tough, but I try to be positive, and physically, I try to train as best as I can in my training camp with other friends.
Compared to your usual training, is there anything new in your training for the Hanoi SEA Games?
My training for the SEA Games has been slightly different because I have to adapt to new training environments and at different altitudes.
The Malaysian sports industry has been hit hard by the pandemic for two years without races, what challenges have you faced during the preparation to be qualified for big games like the SEA Games?
The most challenging part of my preparation is that I was not able to justify my performance level as there were no international races for me during the pandemic period. I could only participate in local races.
What are you most looking forward to in the Tokyo Olympics?
Speaking of my target, it may be impossible due to my short-term preparation for the SEA Games. No matter what, I will try my very best to achieve the target.
If you had one piece of advice for young women pursuing their dreams what would you say?
My best advice to all young riders is that target and focus. Sign up for any local and international events to gain some experience and try to go out of your comfort zones.
Cross Country XCO (Women) – Final will be held on 16 May 2022.
