SINGAPORE, July 30 — A recurring left shoulder injury has forced national diving queen Datuk Pandelela Rinong to withdraw from the women’s 10m platform individual event at the World Aquatics Championships here today.
The two-time Olympic medallist said the decision was taken after careful consideration, as the injury would prevent her from competing safely.
“I’m truly grateful for all the kind messages and concerns for my well-being. I promise to take better care of my body as I focus on healing and prepare for the next opportunity to represent Malaysia,” she posted on Facebook.
The 32-year-old added that she would cheer her fellow teammates on in Singapore.
“Please join me in sending them our support, luck and prayers as they continue to compete for Malaysia,” she said.
On Monday, Pandelela was competing with Lee Yiat Qing in the 10m platform synchronised event when she had to pull out after two dives due to the same injury, which she sustained earlier this month.
Meanwhile, Yiat Qing failed to advance to the 10m platform semi-finals after finishing outside the top 18 in the preliminaries at the OCBC Aquatic Centre here today.
The 17-year-old finished 29th with 240.20 points after five dives.
National swimmers Khiew Hoe Yean and Tan Khai Xin also failed to advance in their respective events.
Two-time SEA Games gold medallist Hoe Yean clocked 50.77s in the men’s 100m freestyle to finish seventh in Heat Eight and 50th out of 110 swimmers, while Khai Xin clocked two minutes 7.07s in the men’s 200m medley to end up ninth in Heat Two and 40th overall.
— Bernama
