KUALA LUMPUR, June 27 – The degree of difficulty got more and more difficult but the figures favored Malaysia’s former world champion, Cheong Jun Hoong who has earned her ticket to the Tokyo Olympics on merit.
The 31-year-old Ipoh-born who underwent a week of uncertainty, will be on the plane to Tokyo after FINA – the world aquatics governing body changed the figure – 18 qualifying to the Olympic instead of the earlier 15.
FINA and the International Olympic Council (IOC) reversed the earlier decision following an appeal filed by the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM).
Jun Hoong who won the silver with Pandelela Rinong in the 10m synchronized platform at the 2016 Rio Olympics, will be the fifth Malaysian diver competing at the mega event in Tokyo from July 23-Aug 8.
The others are Pandelela (10m platform individual and 10m platform synchronized); Nur Dhabitah Sabri (3m springboard individual); Wendy Ng Yan Yee (3m springboard individual) and Leong Mun Yee (10m platform synchronized).
Coached by Yang Zhuliang, Jun Hoong has a rich history in Malaysian swimming and won the gold medal (10m platform) at the World Championships in Budapest in 2017.
She also won the bronze at the same meet with Pandelela in the 10m platform synchronized.
Jun Hoong was Malaysia’s flag bearer at the 2017 Kuala Lumpur Sea Games.
OCM president Tan Sri Norza Zakaria was delighted with the latest developments, thanked FINA and IOC for the decision, and said it is a big boost for Malaysian divers who are expected to be on the podium.
Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican had this to say to Jun Hoong: “Work hard and do your best in Tokyo.”
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