By Aimi G.
After an extensive global search, Singapore Gymnastics has appointed Berfin Serdil Ors as its first-ever Performance Director.
The Turkish-born coach, who has been with Singapore Gymnastics since 2021, will officially take up the role from 1 April 2025.
Berfin, who previously served as the Rhythmic Gymnastics (RG) Head Coach and more recently as Interim Technical Director, brings a wealth of experience to the role.
A six-time Turkish National Champion in rhythmic gymnastics, she represented Türkiye at multiple European and World Championships, earning recognition as Türkiye’s Athlete of the Year in 2005.
Dr Patrick Liew, President of Singapore Gymnastics, believes Berfin is the perfect choice to lead Singapore’s gymnasts to new heights.
“I am delighted that Berfin has accepted our offer of the position of Performance Director. She is eminently qualified and suited to this position and performed extremely well through the rigorous recruitment process,” he said in a statement.
Beyond her achievements in sport, Berfin has an impressive academic background.
She holds a PhD in Sport Biomechanics from Celal Bayar University and was an Associate Professor in Physical Education and Sport at Aydin Adnan Menderes University.
She has also authored numerous scientific publications, further enhancing her reputation as both a practitioner and scholar in the field of sports science.
Berfin, who was coaching at the 2025 Singapore Nationals when the announcement was made, shared her excitement about stepping into this pivotal role.
“I am really pleased and delighted by the opportunity that Singapore Gymnastics have given me, first in appointing me as Head Coach for Rhythmic Gymnastics in 2021 and now as the first Performance Director.”
“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,” said Berfin.
Singapore Gymnastics also confirmed that RG National Coach Amy Kwan will step up as Interim RG Head Coach for six months.
A former Commonwealth and SEA Games multi-medallist, Amy has been coaching at the RG National Training Centre for the past two years.
She will play a crucial role in preparing Team Singapore’s gymnasts for the Junior and Senior Rhythmic Gymnastics Asian Championships, which will be held in Singapore from 16 to 18 May 2025.
PHOTO: SINGAPORE GYMNASTICS