Viva Vertical coach and master trainer tops Masters 40+ Women category in Prague with 59.4 points, marking a remarkable comeback following breast cancer diagnosis and surgery
PETALING JAYA, 3 November 2026 – Malaysian aerialist and Viva Vertical coach and master trainer Mei Er Yee, has secured 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, Yee delivered a performance that earned 59.4 points, setting a new world record for the category and surpassing the previous record of 50.4 points established in 2025. She secured first place, finishing ahead of competitors from Hungary, Greece, Mexico and the Netherlands.
Organised by the International Pole and Aerial Sports Federation (IPSF), the World Pole & Aerial Sports Championships 2026, taking place from 27 October to 1 November in Prague, Czech Republic, brings together over 700 athletes representing 41 countries, competing across various pole and aerial disciplines on the international stage.
Unlike disciplines that place greater emphasis on technical execution, Artistic Aerial Silks celebrates creativity and freedom of expression, with performances evaluated through artistic interpretation, choreography and musicality.
“Standing on the world stage representing Malaysia is something incredibly meaningful to me. This achievement means more to me than just a competition result. It represents the challenges I’ve overcome, the people who have supported me and the passion that has kept me going all these years,” said Yee.
From a Knee Injury to a New Passion
Yee’s journey into aerial arts began about two decades ago, after a serious knee ligament injury kept her from continuing her passion for dance.
What initially seemed like the end of one chapter became the start of another. Determined to stay connected to movement and artistic expression, she discovered pole and aerial arts and eventually developed a new passion that led her into competitive performance and coaching.
Over the years, Yee has earned numerous accolades while sharing her experience and knowledge as a coach and master trainer at Viva Vertical, helping students discover their own strength, confidence and potential through aerial movement.
A Personal Battle, Followed by a World Championship Victory
Beyond her sporting achievements, Yee’s latest victory carries a deeply personal significance.
In 2026, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent surgery. Despite the physical and emotional challenges, she remained determined to recover, rebuild her strength and pursue her passion for aerial arts.
Her recovery journey ultimately led her back to the international competition stage, where she has now achieved a new world record and secured first place for Malaysia.
Yee’s achievement is not only a celebration of athletic excellence, but also a reminder that personal setbacks, health challenges and age do not necessarily limit one’s aspirations.
Following her success in Prague, Yee is also set to represent Malaysia at the Tini Tinou International Circus Festival’s ASEAN showcase in Cambodia this November.
The upcoming appearance will give her another international platform to showcase her artistry and help raise the visibility of Malaysian talent in aerial and contemporary circus arts.
For the official competition results, please visit the IPSF website: https://ipsfsports.org/en/.
About the International Pole & Aerial Sports Federation (IPSF)
The International Pole & Aerial Sports Federation (IPSF) is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to developing and promoting pole and aerial sports internationally. Its work includes establishing competition standards, supporting athlete development, training and certifying officials, and encouraging participation in pole and aerial sports across different countries. Through its international championships and development initiatives, IPSF aims to advance the recognition, professionalism and growth of pole and aerial sports worldwide.
About the World Pole & Aerial Sports Championships 2026 (WPAC 2026)
The World Pole & Aerial Sports Championships (WPAC) is an international championship organised by the International Pole & Aerial Sports Federation (IPSF), bringing together qualified athletes from around the world to compete across various pole and aerial sports disciplines. The 2026 edition takes place in Prague, Czech Republic, from 27 October to 1 November 2026, with over 700 athletes representing 41 countries. Participation in the world championships requires athletes to qualify through recognised national or open championships, making it a competitive international platform for accomplished pole and aerial athletes representing their respective countries.
About Viva Vertical
Founded in 2006, Viva Vertical is Malaysia’s first and largest pole dance and aerial arts studio, with two locations across Greater Kuala Lumpur. The studio has become a trusted name in circus and aerial training, pioneering new ways to combine fitness, artistry and performance. Viva Vertical provides a safe, inclusive environment for individuals to explore aerial movement through group classes, workshops and private training. Beyond the studio, it also organises the annual Viva Circus Festival, bringing together aerial enthusiasts, performers and industry professionals through workshops, competitions and awards that celebrate talent, encourage learning and foster community growth. The studio is also home to Viva Circus, an award-winning modern physical arts performance troupe that has showcased Malaysian aerial talent through original productions, both locally and internationally.
