Gymnast Low Sanmay made news when she, despite scoring straight As for her GCE‘O' levels, opted to study in a private school rather than a top junior college.

Her reason? She wanted to give top priority to her sport as she prepared for the 2003 SEA Games in Vietnam. She knew that was the only way to get the results she wanted – a medal to make up for the fact that she just missed out on the bronze at the 2001 SEA Games in KL.

The decision paid off. She mounted the rostrum thrice for her two silvers(individual all round and team) and a bronze(floor exercise) in Hanoi. Along the way, the 18 year old made a statement for gymnastics, creating a new chapter in the history of the sport here.

Confident and articulate, this unassuming athlete has also availed herself for talks or interaction sessions with students. For them, she is an obvious role model, showing them what daring to dream yields and how taking the road less traveled has its rewards.