New Technical Director of National Diving Squad Eyes Podium at 2028 Olympic Games
Mission to Restore Glory
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – The new technical director of the national diving squad, Yeoh Ken Nee, is determined to ensure that the country’s divers return to the podium at the next edition of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Challenges Ahead
He believes that the mission can be realised given that Malaysia has talented young athletes, although he admits that it would not be an easy task. As a former diver who competed in the Sydney Olympics, Ken Nee is confident that he can use his previous experience to further hone the skills and talents of the country’s divers to reach the best level.
Building a New Team
"Based on the recent records, I can say our diving squad’s level is not there yet (podium). So as the new director, I will try my best and help whatever I can to bring back the glory. My job is to build a new team and we want to have more talent in the future," he told Bernama when contacted.
New Leadership
Ken Nee was selected as the new technical director of the national diving squad, effective last Monday, replacing Bryan Nickson Lomas who resigned in December. He was chosen based on his extensive experience in the diving pool, according to Malaysia Swimming (MS) secretary-general Andy Low.
SEA Games
Meanwhile, Ken Nee also hopes to be able to maintain the excellent record of the national diving squad at the SEA Games scheduled to take place later this year in Thailand. Four events will be contested at the biennial games, namely, 1 metre (m) men’s individual springboard, 3m individual and men’s synchronised springboard and 10m women’s synchronised platform.
"We haven’t decided yet whether we will send the juniors or the seniors for the SEA Games. We hope whoever we send can perform well," he said.
Challenges and Achievements
Malaysia’s diving squad won their maiden Olympic medal, a bronze in the women’s 10m platform event, through Datuk Pandelela Rinong in the 2012 edition, while Pandelala and former world champion Cheong Jun Hoong won silver in the women’s 10m synchronized platform event at the 2016 Rio Games. However, the national diving squad came home empty-handed in the last two editions, namely in Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024.
Conclusion
As the new technical director, Ken Nee is determined to lead the national diving squad to success, with a focus on building a strong team and developing the skills of young athletes. With his extensive experience and expertise, he is confident that Malaysia can return to the podium and bring glory to the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the main challenges facing the national diving squad?
A: The main challenge is to build a strong team and develop the skills of young athletes to reach the best level.
Q: What are the goals of the new technical director, Yeoh Ken Nee?
A: The goal is to bring back the glory of the national diving squad and ensure that divers return to the podium at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Q: What is the plan for the SEA Games?
A: The plan is to send a strong team to the SEA Games and hope that whoever we send can perform well.