KUALA LUMPUR: Eyes can only see, but the shoulders bear the weight. This phrase aptly describes the situation of Nur Dhabitah Sabri and Bertrand Rhodict Lises, who now carry the challenge of restoring national pride in diving at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Reflecting on the recent challenges in diving, Bertrand Rhodict stands as the sole diver to secure a merit slot for the men's 10-metres (m) platform event. Malaysia faced a near 'dark moment' as no female diver was to compete in the biggest sporting event on the planet for the first time in 24 years.
However, fortune smiled as Nur Dhabitah received an unexpected opportunity through an unused quota from other countries' athletes in the women's 3m springboard event at the last minute. Despite this, the absence of star diver Datuk Pandelela Rinong raises questions about the national squad's potential performance in the fashion capital.
Moreover, the 'Great Wall' of China, along with several other nations, remains formidable and difficult to conquer in the events where our divers will compete.
According to the website World Aquatics, Bertrand Rhodict, who achieved a personal best of 442.35 points in the men's 10m platform at the 2023 World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, faces a tough challenge as China's Cao Yuan, the reigning Olympic gold medallist with 582.35 points, will also compete in Paris. - BERNAMA