KUCHING: Sarawak’s divers are ready to repeat their success at the coming Malaysia Games (Sukma) in front of their home fans at the Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre.
With a relatively young squad, and even without their Olympic-bound diver Bertrand Rhodict, they still pack too much power to repeat their success and are likely to dominate the Sukma.
Sarawak divers showed their strength as they were top in the 56th MILO/PRM/MAG Diving Championships 2024 held at the National Aquatic Centre held in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur in May this year.
They won an impressive 15 gold, five silver and two bronze medals to outperform Singapore (6-9-4). Rival Kuala Lumpur (3-8-5) were third in the overall standings while Perak (2-4-8) were fourth.
In the coming Sukma, Sarawak have set a modest target of two gold, four silver and two bronze, with their gold likely to come from their national-squad diver Elisha Rania.
She and Nurul Farisya will compete in the women’s synchronised platform and individual platform event and also the two springboard events.
The pair of Elvis Prestly and Jared Aiden are taking part in the synchronised platform for men, and should win gold for Sarawak.
Also in contention for a medal are SEA Games gold medalist Enrique Maccartney, who will dive in the individual platform together with Elviis Prestly competing against each other in the same event and also in the springboard event.
Sarawak also have high hopes on the pair of Dayang Nusharizra and partner Elisha Rania in the mixed pair in the synchronised springboard event.
In the running for the bronze medals, are the pair of Awang Sharzan and SohTze Kang in the synchronised springboard.
Sarawak Sports Corporation Swimming Development officer Wesley Inyau Wella said the Sarawak divers are well prepared under the guidance of chief coach Shi Yang assisted by his wife and local coaches Rosatimah Muhammad and Elizabeth Jimmie@ Nur Hazzarina.
Wesley said Olympic diver Bertrand Rhodict Lises will not be taking part as he is undergoing centralised training for the Olympics.
He said that the rule did not allow those who go to the Olympics to take part in Sukma competitions but they will have capable replacements in Bertrand MaCcartney or Elvis Prestly.
