18/01/2026
Friends of Gymnastics held a panel discussion on Friday, 16 January 2026, bringing gymnasts and parents together for an open and meaningful conversation. Insights into the long-term development of gymnasts, focusing on resilience, mental well-being, injury prevention, and parental support were shared during the session.
Our guest speakers, Dr Teoh Chin Sim and Dr Benjamin Soon, spoke candidly about their experiences working with high-performance athletes. The discussion was skilfully facilitated by gymnasts Shandy Poh and Emma Yap, whose relatable questions helped create a comfortable and engaging atmosphere for both athletes and parents.
Dr Teoh and Dr Soon shared their journeys into sport, the challenges they faced, and key lessons learned along the way, highlighting the importance of perseverance, purpose, and learning from setbacks.
Key themes included building resilience through a positive mindset, practical strategies for managing pressure and mental blocks, and the importance of load management, recovery, and early injury awareness. Dr Soon, speaking as both a physiotherapist and a parent, also shared insights on how parents can support their children by creating a safe, encouraging environment without added pressure as they build their skills gradually.
The session concluded with advice for gymnasts to stay grounded, enjoy the process, and remember that progress in sport is rarely a straight line.
Once again, Friends of Gymnastics would like to thank our speakers, facilitators, and attendees for making the evening a meaningful and unforgettable one!
