KUALA LUMPUR – Seniority would not automatically secure spots for national divers in international tournaments, according to Malaysia Aquatics (MAS) diving technical director Bryan Nickson Lomas.
The introduction of the minimum qualification standard (MQS) necessitates that both senior and junior divers must achieve specific scores in local competitions and trials for consideration.
This decision follows the disappointing performance of the diving squad at the World Aquatics Championships in February, leading to several stalwarts failing to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
“Divers need to hit the minimum score in at least two out of three local competitions for international selection.
“We will take into account scores from events like the Malaysia Open and national trials. Those who fail to hit the mark will be excluded from selection.
“There is a difference between the scores that the seniors and juniors need to hit. But if the seniors fail to display consistency and the juniors hit the mark, we will have no qualms about sending the youngsters for competitions abroad,” said Bryan when met recently.
He added that for major competitions like the SEA Games and Asian Games, MAS will invite state teams to send their best divers to the national trials, ensuring the best talents represent the nation.
“We want the best divers to represent the country. If state divers can hit the MQS and national divers fail, we will send the state divers.
“This can also encourage state sports councils to start their diving programmes,” added the former Olympian.
Bertrand Rhodict Lises will be Malaysia’s sole representative in diving when the Paris Olympics starts in July.
Notably, veterans Datuk Pandelela Rinong Pamg, Nur Dhabitah Sabri and Ooi Tze Liang missed qualification for Paris.
However, Dhabitah and Tze Liang have a faint chance of still making the Olympics through the unused Olympic allocation, with an announcement expected in June. – May 15, 2024