KUCHING, May 6: Sarawakian national diver Pandelela Rinong has won Malaysia’s only gold medal in the women’s 10m platform in the Fina Diving World Cup 2021 yesterday (May 5).
With her outstanding performance at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre that scored herself 355.70 points, she overtook host diver Matsuri Arai of Japan with 342.00 points in second place and Caeli McKay of Canada with 338.55 points in third place.
In the absence of China, Australia and North Korean divers, the opportunity was there for the 28-year-old to grab a first-ever podium win in diving, according to a news report by the News Straits Times.
Not disappointing the Malaysia camp, Pandelela who was a bronze medalist in the 2018 edition eventually won the day, after earning an earlier qualification from the semi-final in third spot with a score of 333.00.
As the news of her feat reaches home shores, congratulatory messages have begun to pour in from all different corners of Malaysia, especially from her hometown, Sarawak.
In a statement today, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah conveyed his joy and pride to the champion for etching Malaysia’s name in world sports history.
His Majesty also wished Pandelela good luck and continued success in the upcoming Tokyo Olympic Games in July after winning a bronze medal in the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin also, in a Facebook post today, congratulated Pandelela for her achievement and her commitment to continue as the pride of Malaysia. — DayakDaily
