Record-Breaking Victory on the International Stage
Malaysian aerialist, Viva Vertical coach, and master trainer Mei Er Yee has etched her name in sporting history by clinching first place in the Artistic Aerial Silks Masters 40+ Women category at the World Pole & Aerial Sports Championships 2026 (WPAC 2026) in Prague, Czech Republic. Representing Malaysia on the international stage, Yee delivered a breathtaking routine that scored 59.4 points, setting a brand-new world record and shattering the previous benchmark of 50.4 points established in 2025. Her commanding performance saw her secure the top podium spot ahead of elite competitors from Hungary, Greece, Mexico, and the Netherlands.
Organised by the International Pole and Aerial Sports Federation (IPSF), WPAC 2026 brought together over 700 athletes from 41 countries across various disciplines. Unlike purely technical categories, Artistic Aerial Silks celebrates artistic interpretation, innovative choreography, musicality, and creative storytelling. Yee expressed profound gratitude for the triumph, noting that representing Malaysia on the world stage went far beyond competition scores, it stood as a testament to the personal adversities she had conquered, the unwavering support of her community, and her lifelong devotion to movement.
Triumph Over Adversity: The Inspiring Journey of Mei Er Yee
Yee’s journey to the world summit is defined by remarkable resilience. Two decades ago, a severe knee ligament injury abruptly cut short her dancing career however, her determination to keep moving led her to discover pole and aerial arts, eventually evolving into competitive performance and master-level coaching at Viva Vertical. Her latest world championship triumph carries even deeper emotional weight following her diagnosis and surgery for breast cancer earlier in 2026. Defying physical and emotional obstacles, she rebuilt her strength, returned to the global arena, and proved that age, personal setbacks, and health battles cannot constrain one’s dreams.
Showcasing Malaysian Contemporary Circus Arts to the World
Looking forward, Yee will continue carrying the Malaysian flag internationally as she heads to the Tini Tinou International Circus Festival’s ASEAN showcase in Cambodia this November. The upcoming appearance will offer another vibrant platform to spotlight Malaysian aerial and contemporary circus arts globally. Official results and further tournament details can be accessed via the IPSF website at https://ipsfsports.org/en/.
