Diving in Faith

May 24, 2020

Catholics@Home podcast with Malaysian Diver, Pandelela Rinong

Sarawakian Pandelela Rinong is the pride of Malaysia and a name to beat in any global diving competition. She was the first Malaysian female to win a medal for Malaysia in the Olympics – the bronze medal at the London Olympics 2012 before going one better at the Rio Games 2016. Although she trains to fall from incredible heights, her sporting career has seen a meteoric rise, soaring above all expectations.

She shares her experience with Fr Clarence Devadass,  Kevin Francis and Mark Darren Lee during the Catholics@home podcast on May 20.

How did it all begin?
As a child,  I was part of a group to be selected by a coach to take swimming lessons. At the age of eight, I was going to swimming classes three times a week. One day, I saw a diving platform and I asked my coach if I could jump from it. My coach gave me permission by told to wear the arm floats since I was not a good swimmer. At the age of 11, I won my first medal, a bronze at a state-level competition. And the rest as they say, is history. I did not find the sport but instead the sport found me!

During the MCO, I follow a weekly programme given by her coach. In order to be perfect, years of training are needed or, rather, 10,000 hours but I took more than that. I train six days a week and eight hours a day.

Her Faith Journey
My parents taught me to pray before and after training or competition for my protection and her safety which I still practises until today.

I did not take my faith very seriously but it was only after some incidents that Irealised that I needed to go deeper into her faith with God.

That led me to enrol for RCIA classes before being confirmed in 2017. Due to the nature of my sport, I required special classes as I was competing overseas.

I decided to use my baptism name, Theresa, for my confirmation too, which I hope will make a difference and be a light for me.

First female Olympic medalist
Being the first female medal winner for Malaysia was a very proud and happy moment, not only for me but for Malaysia. I will never forget that achievement. I just want to do my best in the Japan Olympics  and hope to win a medal for Malaysia. I just need to be consistent.

Training
As part of my training, I was supposed to spend a few months in China. However, due to the MCO, this did not happen. As the Olympics has been postponed, I now have a year  to improve on my performance, which is a blessing in disguise.

Apart from the physical training, meditation is also very important for mental strength. At least, that is what one of my coaches says. For me personally, I try to pray the Rosary every day so that I will be at peace.

We also have a diet to follow. We cannot have too much oily food. We cannot eat too much of anything; balance is the key. We have to maintain our fat percentage but increase muscle.

What do you miss?
When she was asked about what she misses as she is always in training: “Freedom. The freedom to do what others do.

“I also miss my family.” Pandalela moved out of Kuching in 2007 when she was 14. She has missed 13 birthdays with her family. She does not usually celebrate because she is either competing or travelling.

Role models
Guo Jing Jing from China. She is a famous diver and an Olympic gold medallist. I also admire David Boudia, an American diver who not only is an Olympic gold medallist but also a Christian.

Motto
Never give up achieving your dreams, always try your best. Think positive always.

If not a diver, what would you have become?
My first option was to be a doctor, followed by an air stewardess. My dream is to inspire others to be better human beings.

Describe yourself in three words.
Shy, hardworking and laugh a lot. Fr Clarence added discipline and Kevin added courage.

Advice to Catholic Youth
Just talk to God. Eventually you will be at peace and more motivated. Always believe in yourself and know that you will never walk alone because God is with you.

Final Words
I hope people will try this sport because it will boost your courage and confidence which will affect your daily life in a positive way. Practice makes perfect! Never give up, and have confidence in yourself. Indeed, it was a very interactive and informative conversation throughout the one hour of the show.--By Sabrina Smith