Mikayla Yang scored 97.55 in the rhythmic gymnastics individual all-around qualifications at the Asian Games on 1 Oct. Photo: SNOC/Terence Tan
The “kiss and cry” is a designated area in the competition arena where gymnasts await their score after performing their routines. There was certainly no crying for rhythmic gymnast Mikayla Yang on 1 Oct – the 19-year-old was all smiles during the individual all-around qualifications at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games.
Her family’s presence in the stands and getting to perform a different clubs routine in a “really pretty” venue were contributing factors to her joy.
Yang scored 97.55 to rank 12th overall in the qualifications at the Nagoya General Gymnasium’s Rainbow Hall, while compatriot Pebbyl Ang’s score of 87.85 ranked her 16th.
“It might be one of the biggest stadiums I’ve competed in, and it really felt like a real Games – everything just felt so nice,” said Yang, who waved to her parents, older brother and other Singaporean supporters while waiting for her scores.
The last time her family travelled overseas to watch her at a competition was the 2025 SEA Games, where the Chicago-based Yang clinched the individual all-around silver for Singapore’s best result in the event.
“That’s why it’s so special (that they are at the Asian Games) because it’s really expensive to travel everywhere to watch me. Having them be able to be close is really nice,” she added.
A slightly “shaky” ball routine, her second of four apparatus, did not rattle her.
Yang, who started the sport at age six, said: “The first apparatus (hoop) was good; the second was definitely a bit more shaky than I would have thought. There was a little bit of rushing throughout the routine, but I managed to pick myself up for clubs and ribbon and (was) able to just end it well, and be happy.”
The ability to recover quickly mid-routine has been honed over years of training and competing – Yang has participated in three world championships and numerous World Cup stops across Europe and central Asia.
“You kind of have to start doing it since (the time) you’re young, so (when) you start the sport, you have to be able to recover fast,” she added. “It’s just been (about) keeping myself in the present moment, and just being able to continue the routine. And then after the routine, look back on what happened and be able to improve from that.”
She particularly enjoyed her clubs routine, which was inspired by the Predator movies.
“It’s definitely a bit of a different style than I usually do because I usually (do) more of a happy, smiley-type routine, and this year we decided to do something a bit more serious,” said Yang, revealing that the idea took root last year after she watched the most recent Predator movie with her father.
“After watching the movie, I saw that there was a really strong character within it and and I found a really nice song to combine it with. I’m kind of representing the predator from the movie and it’s just really fun to get into a different style and character.”
For teammate Ang, competing in her second Asian Games was a reminder of how she has refined her mental approach since the Hangzhou 2022 edition.
“That was my first year as a senior and this is my fourth … even though I’m still nervous now, compared to back then it’s already much better,” said the 19-year-old, who was heartened by the support of the Singaporean spectators in the audience.
The rhythmic gymnastics squad attended a training camp in Kuala Lumpur in preparation for these Games, and Ang believes the focus on artistry and execution during the camp helped with her performance here.
Still, there are areas she would like to improve: “I think I need to be able to adapt faster because the hall is bigger and there are a lot of bright lights. One learning point for me these Games is to know how to adapt faster and take things as they go.”
Both athletes acknowledged that the scale of the quadrennial Games motivated them to strive for better performances.
Yang appreciated the additional support provided during major Games, saying: “Usually when I go for an international competition, it’s just for rhythmic gymnastics and it’s usually just me, a coach and a judge. Going to a Games, at least we can see that Team Singapore is there – we have a physio, we have people from other sports also coming to watch, so you feel more support at Games. It’s also just really cool to see other sports too.”
The 20th Asian Games are held in Japan from 19 September to 4 October 2026. For the latest Team Singapore coverage and news, follow Team Singapore on their social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) or visit the official Team Singapore website.