KUALA LUMPUR: Former national diver Bryan Nickson Lomas was pleasantly surprised by the potential of some divers who took part in the recent Selangor Age-Group Championships.
Bryan, whose sports equipment company Ardi Sports Sdn Bhd co-organised the competition with the Selangor Amateur Swimming Association, singled out several divers he believes can go far in the sport.
More than 50 divers from three states took part in the annual event at the Darul Ehsan Aquatics Centre in Shah Alam.
"I saw quite a few divers with strong basics. When your basics are there it is easier to move up to a higher level," said Bryan, who assumed the role of tournament director for the meet.
"Among them are Hong Shern (Selangor), Lee Bee Cen (Negri Sembilan) and Prisila Chong (Perak), who all won in their respective categories.
"Overall, however, it was good to see the divers meeting and competing against their peers. One of the objectives of this tournament was to create more chances for young divers to gain more experience in a competitive environment.
"This includes those who are only able to perform a straight dive or other basic techniques."
Selangor emerged overall winners with a haul of 15 gold, 11 silver and six bronze, while Negri Sembilan (2-5-2) and Perak (2-3-11) came in second and third respectively.
The event is Bryan's first effort in organising competitions for youngsters in the sport as he looks to give back to the diving community.
Since retiring in May 2013, Bryan, who is the youngest Malaysian to win a world junior diving, had briefly coached Selangor before furthering his studies.
Last year, he completed his master's degree in sports administration at the Russian International Olympic University.