KUALA LUMPUR: National elite diver Cheong Jun Hoong created history after becoming the first ever Malaysian athlete to secure the gold medal at the International Swimming Federation (FINA) World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, on Wednesday (Thursday in Malaysia).
The 27-year-old from Perak, who is one half member of the 2016 Rio Olympics silver medallist with Pandelela Rinong, scored 397.50 points in the women’s 10m platform individual to ensure the national anthem ‘Negaraku’ was played at the Duna Arena.
“My god, I’m a world champion!” said Cheong who came first with 397.50 points.
“I hoped for a medal, but I didn’t think I could beat the Chinese divers,” she said.
Former world champion, Si Yajie of China, grabbed the silver medal with 396.00 points, while her fellow teammate, Ren Qian, who is the 2016 Rio Olympics gold medallist, had to settle for bronze medal after amassing 391.95 points, according to Fina website;www.fina.org.
“Cheong’s win is a little surprise for me, but I congratulate her,” Si said.
Meanwhile, Pandelela only managed to finish in ninth place out of 12 divers with a total score of 322.40 points.
For the record, Jun Hoong and Pandelela won the bronze medal in the women’s 10m platform synchronised event in the 17th edition of the meet on Sunday.
Chinese divers have long dominated this event at world championships, winning 22 medals, 16 more than any other country.
Kim Kuk Hyang of North Korea, who won gold in 2015, came fourth with 388.55. – Agencies
