Singapore Gymnastics appoints Berfin Serdil Ors as its new performance director

SINGAPORE – In a bid to become medal contenders on the Asian and global stage, Singapore Gymnastics announced on March 19 the appointment of Berfin Serdil Ors as its new performance director.

The 37-year-old is no stranger to the local gymnastics scene. She has been Singapore’s rhythmic gymnastics head coach since 2021 and also the national sports association’s interim technical director from December 2024.

Ors, who was previously Turkey’s rhythmic gymnastics national team coach, begins her new role on April 1 – she takes over from former high-performance technical director Karen Norden. She said in a press statement: “I am grateful for the faith shown in me and will do my very best to live up to the challenges ahead.

“I am excited by the possibilities of leading Singapore gymnasts to Asian and world podium placings.”

While Singapore’s rhythmic gymnasts have clinched several medals at the SEA Games, they have never finished on the podium at the Asian Games or world level.

Singapore Gymnastics president Patrick Liew said: “She is eminently qualified and suited to this position and performed extremely well through the rigorous recruitment process.

“This completes the formation of Singapore Gymnastics’ performance development team, which will lead and develop our system for supporting and fine-tuning our gymnasts to compete with distinction at major championships (Asian, World) and Games (SEA, Commonwealth, Asian and Olympics).”

Ors was previously a rhythmic gymnast for Turkey and was crowned national champion six times.

The 2005 Turkish Athlete of the Year also made three appearances at the European and world championships from 2003 to 2007.

She holds a doctorate in sport biomechanics from Turkey’s Celal Bayar University, and she was also an associate professor in physical education and sport at Aydin Adnan Menderes University.

The association also announced on March 19 that rhythmic gymnastics national coach Amy Kwan will take over Ors’ position as head coach on an interim basis.

Kwan, a former Commonwealth Games and SEA Games gold medallist for Malaysia, will lead the Singapore contingent at the May 16-18 Junior and Senior Rhythmic Gymnastics Asian Championships.

Held at the OCBC Arena, the event will feature the continent’s top rhythmic gymnasts, including athletes from powerhouses such as China, Japan and Kazakhstan.