Our Olympians trying to make their way through the media frenzy
KUCHING: Hundreds of fans were at the Kuching International Airport today to welcome home Olympic bronze medalist Pandelela Rinong Pamg, Traisy Vivien Tukiet and Bryan Nickson Lomas.
They included Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang, Social Development Minister Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom and Infrastructure Development and Communication Minister Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong.
Pandelela and fellow Sarawakian divers Bryan Nickson and Traisy Vivien were greeted with sape music, a traditional dance and garlands upon their arrival at Gate 8.
There was a frenzied clicking of cameras and camera phones as every moment of their arrival was busily documented by not just media personnel but also the public.
Security was tight as the trio made their way out of the arrival hall with state dignitaries to the VIP waiting lounge for a brief press conference.
The divers were bombarded with questions about their post-Olympics feelings and future plans, with the main focus on the cheerful bronze medallist who answered questions with ease.
Pandelela then proceeded to autograph posters provided by The Borneo Post for those present before being ushered outside to meet the public, who had been waiting for her homecoming since 11am.
Thunderous cheers from family members, friends and fans were heard when they finally got to see Pandelela.
Banners and posters declaring “Pandelela … Bidayuh Boleh” and “Sarawak Loves Pandelela” were seen everywhere as everyone clamoured forward to take her photo.
A motorcade, organised by Regas Premium Auto, brought Pandelela, Bryan and Traisy for a formal welcoming ceremony at the Astana.
As Pandelela left the airport in an open-top Mini Cooper escorted by police outriders and members of the Borneo Island Big Bikers, shouts and cheers of pride continued to be heard at the VIP car park area as fans and well-wishers rushed to take final shots of the teenager who has succeeded in captivating Sarawakian hearts.
Pandelela’s fans and family getting into the spirit!
Pandelelas younger sister, Parcelia waiting outside the airport with a bouquet for her
Bryan Nickson Lomas getting asked the big question: will we see you at the rio 2016?
Media outside getting prepped by airport security on protocol
Pandelela signing our BP posters!
The Borneo Island Big Bikers club convoy preceding the Olympians lunch at Civic Centre headed by Datuk Azman Samion
Great group shot of the Big Bikers with a Honda Goldwing 1500 cc
Bryan knocking knuckles with the Big Biker convoy at the Kuching International Airport
Pandelela signing more posters on her way to the Astana for the awards ceremony.
Traisy Vivien Tukiet in the third car of the Olympian convoy.
Happy parents Pamg Joheng and Hartini Lamin arriving at Civic Centre
Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah (left) and Datuk Lee Kim Shin (right) welcoming the Olympians to the lunch held in their honour.
A little girl in pink gazing up at Pandelela in awe as she shakes hands with fans and well-wishers