National diving queen Datuk Pandelela Rinong is not keen to compete for a place in Malaysia’s Sukan SEA 2027 squad if it means taking an opportunity away from younger divers.
The 33-year-old, who will turn 34 next year, believes junior athletes should be given priority as the biennial sporting event offers them a valuable opportunity to gain international experience.
“We still need to prioritise junior divers. The Sukan SEA is an opportunity for them. As in previous editions, junior divers are usually given the chance to compete, while I will simply support them from behind,” she said.
Despite her willingness to make way for younger athletes, Pandelela has no immediate plans to end her diving career.
She is targeting appearances in both the individual and synchronised events at the upcoming World Cup before shifting her attention to next year’s World Championships.
Reflecting on her performances this year, Pandelela admitted that her preparations for the Asian Games had been affected by several factors, including the death of her coach, Mao Lin, midway through her preparation period.
She said she would continue working on her fitness and consistency to improve her performances.
“Sometimes, if something is not meant to happen, it will not happen. I will just continue giving my best,” she said.
Pandelela recently demonstrated that she remains competitive by teaming up with Lee Yiat Qing to win gold in the women’s synchronised 10-metre platform event at the Malaysia Open Diving Championships last Sunday.
The pair scored 279.84 points at the National Aquatic Centre in Bukit Jalil, finishing ahead of the United States duo of Kayleigh Clark and Sophia McAfee, who collected 248.52 points.
The Russian pairing of Viktoriia Kazantseva and Anna Konanykhina subsequently withdrew from the event.
