pix by Shahril Badri
KUCHING: Nur Eilisha Rania Abrar Raj refuses to give up her dream of becoming a top diver despite carrying a serious injury that could paralyse her.
The 19-year-old from Sarawak revealed her "difficult situation" after partnering Nurul Farisya Alia Affendi to win the 10m synchronised platform gold in the Malaysia Games at the Pandelela Rinong Aquatics Centre today.
Nur Eilisha-Nurul posted a total score of 262.08 while Perak's Cecelia Olivia Christopher Leoneil-Siti Nurul Jannah Malik took silver (197.10). Terengganu's Ilyssa Ixora Imran-Uzlifatil Jannah Ashraf were third (189.75).
"I have an issue with my hip, the L5 and S1 bone is in a Z pattern, it causes me a lot of pain.
"We only discovered this injury last year, but doctors said I have had this issue for a while.
"This could cause me to become paralyzed, and even if I undergo an operation, if it's not successful, it could leave me paralysed too. I have decided to not take the chance (with surgery)," said Nur Eilisha who also revealed that the injury affects her legs and makes them weak.
"I don't know if this will end my career but as long as I can dive, I will continue," she lamented.
"I can't really push hard in training, I just prepare as much as I can. If I feel I can, I will do more that day, if not I will just do a little."
Nur Eilisha dedicated her Sukma gold to her grandmother, Marina, who died earlier this year.
The diver said she had mixed feelings after winning the gold medal. "I'm happy to win today, but I'm also sad. I wanted to win gold because yesterday (Aug 18) was my grandmother's birthday, she passed away earlier this year. I dedicate this gold medal to her memory."