Zhuliang Gives Errant Diver Fakhrul another chance

PETALING JAYA: To err is human, to forgive is divine.

National diving chief coach Yang Zhuliang may be one who lives by this motto and hopes a decision to give Mohd Fakhrul Izzat a chance to reform will inspire him to achieve a mission to get into the Olympics.

Fakhrul was initially left out of the squad for the world aquatics championships in Shanghai from July 16-31 after he frequently skipped daily training for the past one month.

However, Zhuliang had a change of heart and included Fakhrul in the team for the world meet after the latter wised up to his errant ways.

The 19-year-old Kuala Lumpur diver, who has been involved in the sport for seven years, will make a second appearance in the world championships as a springboard diver, joining back-up squad’s Ahmad Amsyar.

Zhuliang hopes Fakhrul, who has also taken part in the Commonwealth Games and Asiad, will have stronger resolve to step up and make himself a better diver.

“I am giving him a chance to prove himself. It easy to axe someone from the programme but it is a big waste if he has been training as a diver for many years,” said Zhuliang.

“Fakhrul has come back to train and he is showing better commitment now. I believe he is old enough to see where he stands and how much he needs to improve to catch up.”

Zhuliang, who has helped Malaysian divers to achieve bigger breakthrough performances on the international stage since he rejoined the coaching set-up in 2009, added that it would be difficult for Fakhrul to make an impact at the world meet because of the lack of exposure.

“It is too soon and he needs to raise his difficulties. I am looking more at the World Cup in London next year where he should target to finish among the top 18 to get into the Olympics,” he said.

Zhuliang left with the divers for a month-long training stint in Dali, China, on Wednesday.

The world championships is the first qualifying meet for the London Olympics but only the top 12 in individual disciplines earn early tickets.

Making up the 10-member strong Malaysian team for the world championships are Yeoh Ken Nee, Bryan Nickson, Ooi Tze Liang, Pandelela Rinong, Leong Mun Yee, Trasie Vivien, Cheong Jun Hoong and Wendy Ng.