KUALA LUMPUR – National diver Gabriel Gilbert Daim bagged the men’s 3m springboard gold medal at the National Aquatic Centre in Bukit Jalil today, which helped him achieve his target for Sabah in this year’s 20th Malaysian Games (Sukma).
The 21-year-old scored a total of 390.30 after six dives ahead of his national team compatriots, Bertrand Rhodict of Sarawak (353.93) and Kuala Lumpur’s Hanis Nazirul (348.60)
Gabriel had won gold in the men’s synchronised 3m springboard yesterday with his partner Julfaddli Jali.
Speaking to reporters after the event, the Commonwealth Games silver medallist said he was satisfied that he had achieved all the targets he initially set out for Sabah as this will be his final Sukma appearance.
“I am glad that I managed to achieve all my targets.
“Seeing that this is the last gold medal from my final Sukma participation, I dedicate these golds to my parents and my coach for all the support and sacrifices they have made for me,” said Gabriel.
Gabriel will be shifting his focus next to the Fina Diving Grand Prix, scheduled in November in Bukit Jalil. He will be participating in the men’s synchronised 3m platform with his Commonwealth Games partner Syafiq Puteh.
However, despite losing out the gold medal in the men’s 3m springboard to Gabriel, Hanis amassed 325.05 points in the men’s 1m springboard today, having successfully retained the gold medal for Kuala Lumpur.
Bertrand took the silver medal, while Kuala Lumpur’s Nurqayyum Nazmi (268.40 points) came in third place.
“I am proud of myself for making a comeback in the 1m springboard to win the gold medal after finishing third in the 3m springboard earlier.
“It felt quite wild to be competing in a springboard event because I am used to competing in platforms,” said Hanis, who debuted in the 2012 Sukma in 10m platform with a gold medal.
As this will be the last Sukma Hanis will be participating in, the 21-year-old has set his sight at next year’s Asian Games, while attempting to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Hanis will also be taking part in the Fina Diving Grand Prix in November. – The Vibes, September 21, 2022
