SIBU: Sibu Amateur Athletic Association (SAAA) president, Dr Gregory Hii described Pandelela Rinong’s achievement in bringing home a bronze medal in the London’s Olympics women’s 10m platform as simply wonderful and a marvelous feat.
“It is a marvelous feat and a wonderful achievement…it is a pride to all of us especially those who are involved in the sporting arena,” he said when commenting on Pandelela’s breakthrough achievements.
Pandelela, the flag-bearer of the Malaysian contingents in the 2012 London Olympics has inked her name in the record books as the first Sarawakian to win an Olympic medal.
She beat all odds to bring home the country second medal, after the silver medal bagged by badminton specialist Datuk Lee Chong Wei.
Pandelela had been trailing after three rounds but two superb follow-up dives allowed her to finish the five-dive events with a total score of 359.20, third best behind Chinese diver Chen Ruoling 422.30 and Australian Britanny Broben 366.50.
Earlier, she was placed in the 18th position after the preliminary rounds in the Women’s 10m Platform before advancing into the final after securing the fifth spot in the semifinals.
“Never mind it is a bronze. The fact that she is able to come back with a medal is something which the local athletes should be proud of,” he said.
Hii hoped another diver from Sarawak, Bryan Nickson Lomas, who was down to compete in the Men’s 10m Platform could also spring some surprises.
Hii said Pandelela’s victory was a huge step forward for the country and she displayed her courage by diving consistently throughout the championship.
“While other more experienced divers faltered along the way, Pandelela managed to pick up her courage and showed her fighting spirit as she beat all odds to proceed her way to success,” he said.
Hii said the state should now come up with some sort of an award for Pandelela for her big dive.
“The award can come in any form as the ultimate objective is to help spur interest among the local athletics to emulate her splendid performance.
She is only 19 and time is on her side. Hopefully, she can continue to train hard and maybe, the 2016 Olympics in Brazil is the place for her to shine.”