KUCHING – It will be a nail-biting moment for Malaysians – and Sarawakians in particular – as diving queen Pandelela Rinong takes to the stage for the women’s 10m platform individual at the Tokyo Olympic Games this afternoon.
The 2pm 10m synchronised diving event will also see fellow Malaysian Cheong Jun Hoong joining Pandelela, along with 30 other international contestants.
If they make the cut, both will return early tomorrow for the semi-finals, with the top 12 advancing to the finals later in the day.
Between the two, The Star reported that Pandelela has a better shot at getting a second Olympic medal for the Malaysian contingent this year after her historic outing at the World Cup three months ago.
At that event, 28-year-old Pandelela made the most in the absence of top Chinese divers to claim the women’s 10m platform title with 355.70 points.
But at this Olympics, China is putting its faith in two teenagers – Chen Yuxi and Quan Hongchan.
Yuxi, 16, is the reigning world champion for the women’s individual 10m platform, while Hongchan, 14, is the youngest athlete in the China contingent and winner of the national diving trials.
China has won the women’s 10m platform title in the last three Olympics, and it remains to be seen if any of their challengers, including Pandelela and Jun Hoong, have what it takes to snatch victory.
A teacher here, Sopheena Liti Nyowep, told The Vibes that the event will be a must-see for her.
“I will certainly be in front of my television anxiously waiting for the showdown,” she said while encouraging the athlete with the phrase “Mak lemah lemah!”, meaning “don’t be weak or feel intimidated” in the Bau Bidayuh dialect.
Kg Quop resident Gordon Joe Lon, meanwhile, said he is confident Pandelela will do well today.
“She just needs to concentrate on her strengths and ignore the other contestants, especially the Chinese divers. I have a feeling she will make it today,” said the draughtsman.
Government officer Suzan Edwin from Kota Kinabalu wished Pandelela the best in her endeavour today, telling her “Agi idup agi ngelaban”, which means “Keep up the fight, as long as you have life” in the Iban language.
“I am definitely hopeful but anxious. I pray she will qualify today and get closer to bringing home a gold medal,” said another Sarawakian, Norman Botes.
“Her victory will be the pride of the Bidayuh community as well as Sarawak and Malaysia. She has been and will continue to be a source of inspiration, particularly for the younger generations.
“I think she also deserves a Datukship because of her significant contributions to the state and country. Pray that God Almighty will carry her through,” he added.
Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak president Bobby William also had words of encouragement for the Olympic athlete.
“May she be the first to bring back the Olympic gold for Malaysia. We are praying for her success. Hopefully, she gives the best she can. We are proud she is Dayak. Anak Sarawak and Malaysia, too. We wish her all the best,” he said.
Peter Minos, president of the Bung Bratak Heritage Association, said he is confident that the diver from the obscure village of Kg Jugan will prove up to the challenge today and continue to fight for gold tomorrow.
“We pray and hope Pandelela will win big for Malaysia and the Bidayuhs. She won gold at the recent World Cup and thus, has the confidence and mental strength to qualify today. Even if she does not make it today, Pandalela is a big achiever in a class of her own,” he said.
Last May, Pandelela was hailed the “people’s darling” by the Bidayuh community after state Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Rahman Hamzah drew flak from Sarawakians for “talking down” the athlete, saying she does not need to be rewarded with an honorific title every time she wins a big competition.
If Pandelela takes another medal this year, she stands to become the first Malaysian female athlete to win three Olympic medals. – The Vibes, August 4, 2021
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