KUALA LUMPUR: Diver Wendy Ng felt nervous and excited as she stood on the springboard for the first time in eight months after serving out a doping suspension in Bukit Jalil today.
The two-time Asian Games silver medallist, however, does not want to be too eager in the diving pool as her primary goals for the next few months would be to regain her confidence and fitness in training.
Wendy was banned for eight months for failing a doping test at last year’s Kuala Lumpur Sea Games. She tested positive for sibutramine, a stimulant commonly found in slimming products.
She subsequently had to return the two gold medals she won in the women’s 3m springboard individual and synchro disciplines.
Her return from suspension will now offer an option to caretaker coach Zhang Yukun in the springboard events.
The Amateur Swimming Union of Malaysia (ASUM) will definitely consider Wendy for the Indonesia Asian Games in August following the poor performances of Kimberly Bong, Nur Dhabitah Sabri and Jasmine Lai in the springboard individual at the recent Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
Wendy, however, will need to prove her mettle in training and competitions before she can be considered for major games.
Understandably, Wendy was excited to rejoin training on Thursday.
“I am now a step closer towards returning to competitions. It was a great feeling to dive into the pool after a long time. I felt nervous at first, but things got better after a few tries. It is good to be back,” said Wendy.
“There have been changes in the national coaching setup during the eight months I was absent from training. I will have to adapt to the changes and work hard.
“I will not rush things... I need to regain my routine executions and also fitness. I hope to get things back on track and subsequently represent Malaysia in international competitions.”
Wendy took up a new hobby and also worked out in the gym during the suspension.
“I spent a lot of time in the gym to maintain my fitness and also did charity work with my family and friends.
“I took up pottery classes and I am still trying to master it. Of course, I also focused on my sports science degree programme at Universiti Malaya,” Wendy added.