SINGAPORE — A recurring left shoulder injury has forced national diving queen Datuk Pandelela Rinong to withdraw from the women’s 10-metre platform individual event at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore today.
The two-time Olympic medallist said the decision was made after careful consideration, as the injury prevented her from competing safely or at her best.
“I’m truly grateful for all the kind messages and concern for my well-being. I promise to take better care of my body as I focus on healing and preparing for the next opportunity to represent Malaysia,” she posted on Facebook.
The 32-year-old added that she would continue to support her teammates in Singapore.
“Please join me in sending them our support, luck and prayers as they continue to compete for Malaysia,” she said.
Pandelela had also been forced to withdraw from the women’s 10m platform synchronised event on Monday, where she was paired with Lee Yiat Qing. She pulled out after two dives due to the same injury, sustained earlier this month.
Meanwhile, Yiat Qing failed to reach the semi-finals of the 10m platform individual event today, finishing 29th in the preliminaries with a score of 240.20 points after five dives — outside the top 18 needed to qualify.
In swimming, national athletes Khiew Hoe Yean and Tan Khai Xin also missed out on progression in their respective events.
Two-time SEA Games gold medallist Hoe Yean clocked 50.77 seconds in the men’s 100m freestyle, placing seventh in Heat Eight and 50th overall out of 110 swimmers.
Khai Xin recorded 2 minutes 7.07 seconds in the men’s 200m individual medley, finishing ninth in Heat Two and 40th overall. — July 30, 2025