Pandelela ready to shoulder challenge
THE weight of expectations on the shoulders of diver Pandelela Rinong is getting heavier.
Fans are looking to the 28-year-old to shine in Tokyo, when she goes for her fourth Olympics, aiming to add another medal to the bronze she won at the 2012 London Games and the silver at the 2016 Rio Games.
There is also cause for optimism after the Sarawakian captured the gold in the World Cup in May.
However, there is concern that even if Pandelela repeats her World Cup score of 355.70, it may not be enough against China’s elite divers.
For the record, China’s 15-year-old Chen Yuxi scored 439 points in winning gold at the 2019 World Championships. China’s top divers did not compete in the recent World Cup.
Pandelela prefers not to dwell on this matter while she focuses on her Tokyo mission.
“Winning the World Cup is a boost for me. I know what’s my weakness, and what I need to improve on to be better at the Olympics,” she said.
“I know the expectations from Malaysians are very high this time as they want me to do better, achieve more,” she said.
Admitting that the Covid pandemic has disrupted her Olympic training, Pandelela said: “Malaysia has been under lockdown so many times. It’s really challenging because it affected our training and competitions.
“But as athletes, it’s our job to continue training and to give it our best when the time comes.
“I’ve also studied my rivals. I watch them online and follow their training through social media as it keeps me inspired and motivated to not give up.”
Pandelela will compete in two events in Tokyo: the women’s 10m individual platform and 10m platform synchro together with veteran Leong Mun Yee.