A WORLD CHAMPION
Coach Zhuliang happy he has accomplished his dream
REPORTS BY AJITPAL SINGH ajitpalsingh@nst.com.my
NATIONAL coach Yang Zhuliang has achieved his lifelong dream of producing a Malaysian world diving champion. It was a masterstroke by Zhuliang to move Cheong Jun Hoong, who has a back problem, to the 10m platform individual event instead of the 3m springboard individual and synchro at the World Aquatic Championships in Budapest on Wednesday.
Ironically, Jun Hoong might not have been crowned world champion on Wednesday if not for her injury,
The 53-year-old coach said unlike the springboard, the platform does not put too much stress on the diver’s joints and back.
“Words cannot describe my happiness. I am so happy. After so many years of trying, Malaysia have finally produced a diving world champion,” said Zhuliang yesterday.
“It is not only mine but also Malaysia’s greatest moment. The secret behind the success is hard work in training.
“Our training sessions are of high standard. My coaches and I always emphasise on technical training in practice.
“I will not stop here as I aim to produce more world champions. Jun Hoong’s achievement is the start for better things in Malaysian diving. We want to win the Olympic gold next.
“I must also thank the Amateur Swimming Union of Malaysia, the National Sports Council and the National Sports Institute for their support in all aspects.”
Zhuliang admitted that he did not expect Jun Hoong to win the world title. The team were counting on Pandelela Rinong to finish strongly in the event.
“Yes, I am surprised but I have been looking forward to this day. As long as a diver trains hard and follows all instructions, they will succeed.
“Jun Hoong has always been flawless in training but not in competitions. However, she has finally proved a point that she can attain great results in world class meets.
“I hope other divers will be motivated from this. I think Malaysian diving will attain more surprises in the future.”
Zhuliang, who holds a Malaysian PR, first arrived here in 2001 but migrated to Australia in 2005 after he was offered citizenship.
He was persuaded to return here in 2009 and has taken Malaysian diving from obscurity to second best in Asia after China.
The coach, however, warned that Jun Hoong and her teammates need to further improve as other nations will be watching them from now.
“By winning the world title, our divers have proven that they now have the potential to beat the best in the sport.
“China will be coming back with a vengeance in the next priority tournament, and we need to be ready for our rivals,” Zhuliang added.