WENDY SET FOR COMPETITIVE RETURN AFTER SERVING BAN
Diver set for competitive return after serving eight-month ban
PETALING JAYA: It has just been two days since diver Wendy Ng Yan Yee returned to training after serving an eight-month ban for a doping violation.
But the Amateur Swimming Union of Malaysia (Asum) have no qualms about handing her a major assignment in seven weeks’ time.
Wendy, who tested positive for sibutramine in last year’s KL SEA Games, is set for her competitive return in the FINA Diving World Cup in Wuhan, China, from June 5-10.
The Rio Olympics finalist will also join the national team for a four-week centralised training camp in China, starting from May 15.
Asum honorary-secretary Mae Chen said the team are doing everything they can to get Wendy ready for the Jakarta Asian Games.
“Hopefully she’s able to handle the first competition since her suspension. But our ultimate focus is the Asian Games,” said Mae.
“Coach Zhang (Yikun) and I met up with Wendy and she’s in good spirits.
“She’s eager to resume training and be back with her teammates. She’s focused on training hard and making up for lost time.
“We need to have confidence in Wendy so that she’s aware we are with her and supporting her.”
Wendy was glad to be back in training on Thursday and is all pumped up to get her career back on track.
While fitness isn’t a main concern, Wendy said her immediate focus is to get used to her diving routines and rediscover her form.
“In the last eight months, I have continued my fitness regime by going to a private gym five times a week,” said Wendy.
“Although it was nothing compared to the facilities and support I received previously from the NSI (National Sports Institute), it was still adequate to keep myself in shape. “All I need to do now is to work on routine executions.”
Wendy described her first time returning to the springboard and first plunge into the pool as “different and difficult”.
“It was awkward at first. But once I took my first plunge in eight months, it wasn’t that bad after all,” said Wendy.
“But I must say it’s a joy to be back, standing on the board and touching the water again.
“I really have a lot of things to catch up on and lost time to make up for. I felt like everyone (teammates) is diving better than me.”
Wendy’s return is a timely boost as she adds depth to the women’s springboard department ahead of the Asian Games.
Yikun may now choose the best combination from among Wendy, Nur Dhabitah Sabri and Leong Mun Yee.
Malaysia are looking to at least retain their 3m springboard synchro silver won in Incheon four years ago and at the 2010 Guangzhou Games.