Diving queen Pandelela Rinong, 33, still driven to win Asian Games medals

At 33 years old, Malaysian diving legend Datuk Pandelela Rinong shows no signs of slowing down, with her sights set on securing medals at the upcoming Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in September. The Olympic medalist is entering a significant phase of her career, but her immediate focus remains squarely on preparing for the Games, scheduled from September 19 to October 4.

Pandelela's continued competitive spirit was evident in her victory in the 10m platform event at the National Selection Championship held in April at the National Aquatic Centre in Bukit Jalil. This win was particularly meaningful as it came after she battled injuries, including a triceps issue, which had hampered her preparations for the World Cup and World Championships last season.

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Training is as usual in Kuala Lumpur, then in September we will go to China for a three-week training camp before heading directly to Japan for the Asian Games.

"Training is as usual in Kuala Lumpur, then in September we will go to China for a three-week training camp before heading directly to Japan for the Asian Games," Pandelela stated, outlining her rigorous preparation schedule. Following the Asian Games, questions about her future are expected to resurface, especially as she hinted that the event might mark her final appearance on the Asian Games stage.

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Maybe, but I am only focusing on the present.

"Maybe, but I am only focusing on the present," she said when asked about retirement. Pandelela boasts an impressive resume, including a bronze medal from the London 2012 Olympics and a silver in the 10m synchronized platform with fellow legend Cheong Jun Hoong at the Rio 2016 Games. Her Asian Games record is also notable, with five medals, including silver and bronze from Guangzhou 2010, and bronze medals from Incheon 2014 and Hangzhou 2023.

To maintain her performance level at 33, Pandelela places a strong emphasis on physical conditioning, carefully balancing the intensity of her training with essential recovery periods. "I always take better care of myself and focus on balancing training and recovery," she affirmed, demonstrating her dedication to prolonging her elite diving career.

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I always take better care of myself and focus on balancing training and recovery.