Dubai: When young Shaikha Al Tayer competes at the 5th International Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, this weekend, she could be forgiven for being a touch nervous.
At only 10-years-old, Shaikha has been thrust into the terrifying role of being an ambassador for Emirati girls when she competes against gymnasts from 18 countries for the Mikulas Kupa, one of the most prestigious competitions in Europe, which runs from December 12-15.
However, the Latifa School for Girls student is hoping to use the advice of her famous father as an unconventional talisman to help cope with the inescapable pressures that the responsibility and top-flight competition brings.
“My dad always told me not to be nervous, just think that no one is watching you and do your best,” she told Gulf News during a training session. “He said if you believe you can do it you will.”
Shaikha’s dad in question is none other than Saeed Al Tayer, the former multiple World Powerboat Champion and current Chairman and CEO of Meydan Group.
Fortified with dad’s encouragement, Shaikha is hoping to realise the next big step in her young career and also spur more Emirati girls to take up gymnastics.
“Gymnastics is so much fun, and different,” says Shaikha, who is being coached and mentored by Angel Ilgaz, a former Turkish gymnast. “At first you’re not sure as it is quite intense. But gradually you get better and then you want to achieve everything.”
Everything?
“I don’t really know about the Olympics, it’s a nice dream to have, but I want to take it one step at a time, like the World Championships,” Shaikha says, with astonishing maturity. “I’ve still got a long way to go to find out just how good I am, but I’m prepared to work hard to be successful and not give up.”
Having discovered her sporting genes, Shaikha also recommends more kids her age try their hand at sport.
“I’d really like to see more girls of my age doing gymnastics. It helps you develop not only your body but your mind as well,” she advocates. “It also teaches me to focus, to be disciplined and to be competitive.”
Despite the childish innocence that she exudes, Shaikha is prepared to make the sacrifices that will help her achieve her goals.
“The one thing about gymnastics is that you have to practice a lot, like five days a week,” she explains. “You also have to make some sacrifices like using your spare time for homework and not watching television instead. Also avoiding junk food. Only then will you stay healthy and flexible and get better and more confident in what you do.”
Shaikha secured fourth place at the Mikulas Kupa last year, but is determined to win a medal this time around.
“The first time I competed in Budapest I was really nervous because there were so many good gymnasts there,” she says.
“But it made me want to improve and I think I’m a better gymnast now than I was last year. I still feel a bit nervous, but I try to think of what my dad said to me.
“I think I’m a lot more confident and I’m getting used to the pressures of competing at the international level.”
In competition, gymnasts perform short routines to music using hand apparatus – a hoop, a ball, clubs and a ribbon and scores are awarded in three categories: difficulty, artistry and execution.
Shaikha names the hoop as her favourite apparatus with which she hopes to spin some magic on the Budapest stage this weekend.
