IT was electrifying, the kind of atmosphere that gives you goosebumps. Stadium Putra in Bukit Jalil, now called Axiata Arena, was packed to the rafters.

And when national gymnasts Thye Chee Kiat, Carolyn Au Yong, El Regina Tajudin and S. Sarina emerged as the champions, pipping favourites Canada by a whisker to win the country’s sixth gold medal in the team rhythmic gymnastics, the place erupted.