Failure is not something to be ashamed of – nor is it proof of unworthiness. Failure is something to be powered by.
– Abby Wambach, US soccer star
Before Pandelela Rinong introduced us to her diving world, how many of us bothered to watch the sport? Not many, I reckon.
Like many, my favourite sports are football, badminton, tennis and track and field. These are the events I would take the trouble to watch on TV or even to ensure that I plan for the time to enjoy the game.
I have also made regular visits to the Axiata Stadium in Bukit Jalil whenever the Malaysian Open badminton tourney is on. Well, purchasing a ticket also means supporting the Badminton Association of Malaysia and Malaysian badminton. So, there’s a good feel to it!
Diving, aquatics – no, not really! However, since Pandelela emerged as a diving star more than a decade ago, I would also find the time to watch her and her teammates in competitions, mostly on sports channels.
Why not when our very own Sarawakian daughter is making waves at the international level with her commitment and passion in her chosen discipline?
Who can forget the day when Pandelela and Cheong Jun Hoong, her partner and ex-national diving champion, created history after bagging Malaysia’s first Olympic silver in the women’s 10m synchronised platform event in Rio 2016?
Many of us, especially Sarawakians, have grown together with Pandelela and we have watched her career in the sport with the same enthusiasm and passion as the athlete herself.
We have also learned of the sacrifices of her parents as they encouraged and nurtured their young daughter, presenting her with the opportunity to excel in the sport. This, the proud Bidayuh parents carried out with love and joy for their girl, despite their hardship and limitations.
If Pandelela has been rewarded in some way for her achievements, that must surely be deserving. I’m not sure whether the government has also given some form of recognition to her parents. If not, perhaps they should.
Today, Pandelela is pushing 31 and we know that in sports, that’s a number past our prime. The best 10 years to excel in any discipline is between 18 and 28.
Talk to those in football, tennis, badminton, swimming or athletics and you will likely get a familiar response – “the heart is willing but the body is weak”.
I have taken note of the recent controversy involving Pandelela and her teammates after they failed to qualify for Paris (2024 Olympic Games).
The sub-par performance of the national diving squad at the World Aquatics Championships, which began on Feb 2, saw divers failing to qualify for the Olympic Games in Paris, scheduled to take place in July.
On Thursday (Feb 15), Malaysian Swimming Federation secretary-general Andy Low told a press conference they would investigate Pandelela’s claims that interference from an “entity” had taken a toll on the divers’ performances in Doha.
Pandelela later said her words were misinterpreted by the media, leading to speculation and misunderstanding.
I am glad that Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh has resolved the matter soon after meeting the divers and officials involved. Let’s move on.
Moving on means that you and I should continue to support our sportsmen and sportswomen, including Pandelela and others, in whatever they choose to embark on after their careers as athletes are over.
We can utilise social media platforms to highlight the achievements and successes of our athletes. Sharing their stories helps to increase their visibility and inspire others.
Support initiatives that promote inclusivity and equality in sports, ensuring that all athletes have equal opportunities regardless of their background, gender or abilities.
Let us also encourage young people to participate in sports by promoting the benefits of physical activity and healthy competition. Supporting youth sports programmes helps to nurture the next generation of athletes.
It is also important for us not to forget that our sports people make sacrifices and difficult decisions to pursue their passion. We must respect their choices, whether it’s taking a break from competition, pursuing education alongside sports, or transitioning to a different career path.
If Pandelela wishes to continue diving or play a different role as a coach, let us also support her chosen endeavour.
By continuing to support our sportspeople in various ways, we can contribute to their success and inspire a culture of sportsmanship and excellence.
Good luck and thank you, dear Pandelela, for flying our flag high. God speed.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.
