KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia: Former national back-up rhythmic gymnast Brenda Yap wants to continue her studies at Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) although she has retired from the sport.

Brenda, who was interviewed after receiving an Outstanding Gymnast Award at the annual Gymnastics Festival 2009 recently, said she didn't quit the team because of differences in opinion with her coach nor did she find it hard to cope with the training as reported in the newspapers.

Instead, she had a severe back injury during training in early January and last month.

Her mother Sharon Yap said Brenda came home one day and complained of backaches after 10 days of training.

"Brenda told us she had a terrible backache, so we took her to the doctor. "The doctor told us that her back muscles were severely torn and she needed at least a month to heal," she said.

After a month of recuperating, Brenda continued her training early last month.

The intensive training took a toll on her health as she tore her back muscles for the second time.

Her parents then decided that their 16-year-old daughter should quit the sport in order to recover.

Brenda, who swept all six gold medals at the last Malaysia Games in Terengganu last year, has only one wish -- to continue her studies at the sport school although she is no longer in the national team.

Sharon said it would be difficult for her daughter to cope with her studies if she was transferred to a new school.

"Brenda would have to take up new elective subjects for her Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia if we transfer her to a new school.

"We are worried that she won't be able to cope."

Brenda said she would miss performing with her teammates but said she would focus on her studies and hoped to become an accountant. -NST

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