KUCHING: As the 21st Malaysia Games (Sukma) 2024 approaches, all participating teams are making the most of the remaining time for preparation.
The diving squad is no exception. They are ensuring their athletes, entrusted to represent Sarawak at the biennial national event from Aug 17 to 24, are fully prepared.
Led by head coach Shi Yang, the team flew to Kuala Lumpur today to participate in a three-week training camp at the Bukit Jalil National Aquatic Centre. They will return to Kuching on Aug 5.
Assistant coach Rosatimah Muhamad confirmed that all nine divers in the squad are participating in the three-week training camp.
The nine divers are Enrique Maccartney, Elvis Priestly, Awang Sharzan Nasrin, Soh Tze Kang and Muhammad Lutfir Rahman (men), and Eilisha Rania, Dayang Nursharzyra, Nurul Farisya Alia and Trisya Ann (women).
Rosatimah mentioned that the actual number of divers in the squad is 12, but three young divers have been loaned to two different states for Sukma 2024.
“Two of our young divers, Cecelia Olivia and Siti Nurul Jannah, have been loaned to Perak, while Nur Ikmas Darwisyah has been loaned to Penang.”
During the training camp, they will identify any shortcomings and work on improving each athlete’s weaknesses.
Rosatimah added that their mission for Sukma 2024 is to win at least two gold medals.
“Our target is to win at least two gold medals. The focus categories involve several divers who have the potential to win gold.
“It includes Enrique Maccartney (10m individual platform) and the men’s 10m platform synchro event, where Enrique will pair with Elvis Priestly.”
She said the male divers are the same team that represented Sarawak at Sukma 2022, while the female divers are new faces.
Rosatimah hopes the male divers can maintain their excellent momentum during the actual competition and that the female divers can create surprises in their respective categories.
For the record, the diving squad won two gold and two silver medals at Sukma 2022.
