KUALA LUMPUR: The Ooi Tze Liang mishap is a grim reminder to Malaysian divers to be ever vigilant.
This was stated by Malaysia Swimming honorary secretary Andy Low after Tze Liang's head hit the spring board in a horrifying incident during the Malaysia Open at the National Aquatic Centre in Bukit Jalil yesterday (Nov 2).
Andy said divers need great concentration and focus when they perform their routines during training and competitions.
Tze Liang's head crashed into the springboard during his second dive, leaving a gash and blood on the pool.
The 31-year-old, who appeared to be conscious, was quickly pulled from the pool and stretchered off to hospital.
Andy said that the incident is a wake-up call for other national divers.
"The national divers need to be really careful in performing their routines during training, warm-up and during competitions."
Asked whether Tze Liang's injury has affected other national divers, Andy said: "The young divers are shaken a little bit while the seniors know how to handle themselves."
Andy said that Tze Liang was admitted to a hospital today (Nov 3) and had surgery this afternoon.
"I am not sure how long it will take Tze Liang to recover. There are no major diving competitions next year except for the Sea Games which is in December," said Andy.
Meanwhile Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh said the result of the CT scan on Tze Liang was normal.
"I've messaged him and he's okay and could Whatsapp me. He is being checked by the doctor and he says not to worry and the CT scan is normal," said Yeoh.
"That's a big relief, I saw the video and how they rushed to give him instant aid.
The National Sports Institute was the first to highlight to me so I've told the CEO to see what kind of rehab we can do for him."