Jellson dives into his books as SPM exams loom after YOG outing

PETALING JAYA: It’s back to the books for diver Jellson Jabillin after making his presence felt in his first and only Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The 17-year-old, who will sit for his SPM examinations next month, came close to adding to Malaysia’s medal tally when he finished fourth in the boys’ 10m platform final.

Jellson garnered 513.25 points in the final won by Mexican Randal Willars (609.80).

Despite failing to contribute to Malaysia’s medal tally, it was still a best-ever finish by a Malaysian diver in the boys’ competition at the Youth Olympics.

Kimberly Bong also finished fourth in the girls’ 10m platform with 385.40 points and thus Malaysia ended the third edition of the Youth Olympics with two gold medals.

Goh Jin Wei claimed the girls’ singles title while the boys’ hockey five-a-side team contributed the other gold to make it the best-ever outing for Malaysia at the Youth Olympics.

Rayna Hoh Khai Ling also took silver as part of the mixed team in rhythmic gymnastics.

However, the silver is not counted under Youth Olympics rules as the participating athletes come from different nationalities.

Jellson’s performance indicates his potential to be a top platform diver for Malaysia, following in the footsteps of Bryan Nickson, a threetime Olympian.

Like Bryan, Jellson is also from Sarawak and making the senior Olympic stage is his next big target after this.

“I brought my books as I am sitting for my SPM exams after this.

“I was not in my best form as I came here with a right shoulder injury after I won two golds for Sarawak at the Sukma (Malaysia Games) in Ipoh last month.

“If I was not injured, I may have got a better score.

“I tried my best as this is also my only chance to compete at the Youth Olympics as it is only for athletes between 17-18.

“I hope I can qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics as the coaches also target us,” said Jellson, who won the men’s 10m platform synchro gold with Hanis Nazirul Jaya Surya at the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games last year.