Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, November 4, 2024: The Olympic Council of Malaysia has expressed their deepest condolences to the family of Olympian Annie Choong, who passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 2. She was 90 years old.
Annie Choong was among the greatest athletes the country produced in the 1950s, excelling in athletics, particularly in sprinting and long jump. In addition, she was also actively involved in motor racing in her younger days.
Annie was part of Malaysia’s first delegation in an international multi-sport event, representing the Federation of Malaya Olympic Council in the 2nd Asian Games in Manila in 1954, competing in the women’s 4x100m relay and women’s long jump.
Two years later, in 1956, she was selected as a member of the first Malayan contingent to participate in the Olympic Games at Melbourne 1956. She was the only female athlete in the contingent, earning her a place in history as the country’s first female Olympian. Annie also competed at the 3rd Asian Games in Tokyo in 1958.
For her outstanding contributions and achievements, Annie Choong was inducted into the OCM Hall of Fame in 2017.
The OCM also presented her with a Certificate of Recognition from the World Olympians Association in 2019 at her residence in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
The OCM President, and OCA Vice President, Tan Sri Dato’ Sri (Dr.) Mohamad Norza Zakaria, said: “On behalf of the OCM, we mourn the passing of Annie Choong, the first female Olympian of our country.
“Her active participation and achievements at the Asian Games and Olympic Games during the 1950s inspired and encouraged greater involvement of women in sports in our country.
“Her last public appearance was at the Partnership Signing Ceremony between OCM and MILO Malaysia, held on Monday, May 29, 2023, where she had the honour of presenting the Malaysia Book of Records certificate to MILO Malaysia as the longest-standing corporate partner for the Olympic Movement in Malaysia.
“The contributions of Annie Choong to the Olympic Movement in our country will always be fondly remembered.”
