Former national pole vaulter Roslinda Samsu, who is in Mainz, Germany, fears she may not make it in time to celebrate her birthday with family members in Kedah after her flight was cancelled.
The four-time Sea Games champion is eager to return home after completing her diploma in coaching at the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz (DLV-International Coaching Academy).
Roslinda who turns 38 on June 9, received her diploma on Friday and was honoured as the top student of the course, which included participants from Cambodia, Myanmar, Mexico, Nigeria, Tanzania and Azerbaijan.
"I am hoping to return to Malaysia as soon as possible after spending a year in Mainz. I want to celebrate my birthday with my parents and siblings in Kuala Nerang (Kedah)," said Roslinda.
"I was supposed to board the return flight (from Mainz) on June 1, but it has been cancelled. I am not sure when flights (to Malaysia) will be available again," a disappointed Roslinda said yesterday.
"It is already bad enough for me that I will not be celebrating Hari Raya with my parents, so I hope to return before I turn 38.
"Frankly, I am not sure when I will return to Malaysia. I really miss home and my family.
The Pahang Sports School teacher, who teaches physical education, civics and sports science, quit the national team in 2013. Her best result was winning silver at the 2006 Doha Asian Games.
"I must thank the Education Ministry and the National Sports Council (NSC) along with the Malaysia Athletics Federation and the German Embassy in Malaysia for giving me the opportunity to complete my diploma in Mainz.
"I hope to share my knowledge when I return to Malaysia. I had to learn how to speak, read and write in German in the opening three months of the course.
"It was tough mastering the language. I am glad that I emerged as the top student as the examination was in German."
"I hope to produce top-level female pole vaulters and improve grassroots development in Malaysia," added Roslinda, whose personal best of 4.40m (in Spain in 2006) still stands as the national record.