Fortune will definitely smile on cheery Dhabitah

PETALING JAYA: Nur Dhabitah Sabri (pic) has won our hearts although she didn’t win a medal in the women’s 3m springboard competition. With her impish smile and carefree demeanour, Dhabitah chalked up her best Olympic performance with a fourth placing at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre on the Sunday.

“I smile a lot because it helps release tension. I don’t do this on purpose. The pressure is tense before a dive and smiling helps me calm down,” explained Dhabitah, who was making her second Olympics appearance.

In Rio 2016, she competed in the individual 10m platform and came in ninth in the final.

She then partnered Cheong Jun Hoong in the 3m springboard synchro and was placed fifth.

And you can expect to see more of the petite lady as she is only 22 and will definitely be around when Paris hosts the next Games in 2024,

Boosted by the latest entry in her Olympic resume, Dhabitah knows she can only get better.

“I finished fourth and this is my best Olympic result, so I am very proud of myself.

“It has been hard for me this past few months to even get here.

“I came close to a medal and I will go home with a positive mindset as this experience will be useful in the future.

“I’m also proud of my coach Christian (Brooker). He has been there for me.

“I will continue with the same programme as we have the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games next year,” added Dhabitah.

Despite going through a totally different experience in Tokyo due to Covid-19, Dhabitah said it was still a much better atmosphere than being confined in Bukit Jalil.

“It’s still fun although we are in a bubble. We get to see and know other athletes and walk around the plaza in the Games Village. There’s definitely less stress.”