Pandelela aiming for gold in London

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KUCHING: Pandelela Rinong, the country’s diving queen is confident that she can deliver the country’s elusive gold medal in the 2012 London Olympics.

GOLD PROSPECT: Pandelela Rinong competing in the women’s 10m platform final aims to win gold in next year’s London Olympics. — AFP photo

This is because she has already qualified for the prestigious sporting events after finishing fifth in China.

“The gold medal I got in last year’s Commonwealth Games has given me the strength and the confidence,” she told the Sundaypost here yesterday.

However, China still posed a great challenge to her in her pet synchronise diving.

“But I will do everything to get the elusive gold for Malaysia, especially for my home state Sarawak and for my people,” said Pandelela, who hails from Kampung Jugan, Bau.

She added that she was doing the herculean task for the country as well as for her Bidayuh community.

“I am doing this for my country but I will never forget that I am a Bidayuh and I will also want to make them proud,” she said.

Pandelela disclosed that she will return back to his village to meet up with her parents before she will continue with her strict training regime.

“I owe a lot to my parents especially my father who always motivates me,” she added.

Meanwhile, the chairman of Bung Bratak Heritage Association Dato Peter Minos said the association has promise to give her a big surprise if she can deliver any, medal for the country at the London Olympics next year.

Minos added that Pandelela has the spirit of Panglima Kulow who managed to defend the people of Bung Bratak from the marauding enemies in the last century.

“We are very happy that she has the spirit of the Panglima Kulow to carry her through all these challenges and hurdles,” added Minos.

Minister of Youth and Sports Datuk Ahmad Sheberry Chik has expressed his confidence that Pandelela stand a good chance to grab gold for Malaysia in the coming Olympics Games.