WENDY NG YA NYE E

DIVING: WOMEN’S 3M SPRINGBOARD

Competing in the individual 3m springboard event, 28-year-old Wendy Ng has overcome numerous mental and physical challenges to come this far. Between the pandemic, injuries and shoulder surgery, she feels the burden to perform well is heavy at her third Olympic appearance since competing in London (2012) and Rio (2016).

“I had little time to prepare myself for the comeback from my injuries,” Wendy explains. She admits that although the pandemic added an extra year to be ready, it was challenging to keep up the pace in training and stay in peak condition after losing momentum.

Wendy last took home medals for Malaysia at the 2018 Asian Games in the women’s synchronised 3m springboard and 2019 Southeast Asian Games in the women’s synchronised 3m springboard and women’s 3m springboard.

“I had to protect myself from getting infected by COVID-19 and keep from getting injured during training while isolated in a centralised training facility. Not being free to meet my family did have a big impact on me mentally,” the diver reveals. She found solace in reading and admits that it helped to schedule time for selfcare. “When I can, I FaceTime my sister to enjoy the cuteness overload of my precious nephews.”

Accustomed to training overseas and numerous preOlympic international competitions, the cancellation of events made it harder for Wendy to find her competition mode.

“Even in these harsh conditions, I’ve managed to complete my daily routines. Although the conditions are not as ideal as before, I am sure that I am ready for the game. It has always been an honour to represent Malaysia, and I certainly hope I can do my nation proud.”