Divers eye four medals, none from swimmers

Jun Hoong’s success in upstaging China’s much fancied stars in becoming world champion has put Malaysia’s divers in the spotlight leading up to the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia next month.

However, the threats from English, Canadian and Australian divers cannot be taken lightly.

In the 2014 Glasgow edition, England dominated diving by winning four gold, followed by Canada (3) and Australia (2). Malaysia got one gold through Ooi Tze Liang in the 2m springboard.

The strong partnership between Jun Hoong and Pandelela Rinong (they won silver in the 10m synchronised platform at the recent World Series in Beijing) has brought newfound hope that Malaysia can do better this time round in the Gold Coast.

Though Jun Hoong, Pandelela and Leong Mun Yee are racing against time to get fit, Amateur Swimming Union of Malaysia (ASUM) honorary secretary Mae Chen said their injuries are not serious and that their preparations are going to plan.

Mae Chen added that the national divers will be aiming to win four medals, which was achieved four years ago in Glasgow (1 gold, 2 silver and 1 bronze).

The good form of young divers such as Hanis Nazirul Jaya Surya and Jellson Jabillin is reassuring as Nur Dhabitah Sabri’s form has been inconsistent of late.

Five swimmers: Welson Sim, Chan Jie, Tern Jian Han, Keith Lim and Caroline Chan will carry Malaysia’s hopes in the Gold Coast.

Coach Paul Birmingham admitted that the Malaysian swimmers do not stand much of a chance in winning medals as they will be competing against world and Olympic champions.