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| Ahmad Amsyar Azman trains on despite the trampolines in the dry gym posing a safety hazard to the divers as they are torn. Pix by Supian Ahmad |
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| Masking and duct tapes are used to cover the torn areas. Pix by Supian Ahmad |
Financial constraints and the poor conditions of the training facility in Bukit Jalil have affected the national divers' preparation for the London Olympic Games.
And if things do not improve, Malaysia can forget about winning an Olympic medal.
Coach Yang Zhuliang has requested longer training stints in China before the Olympics but he could be in for a disappointment due to a tight budget.
His divers are unable to try out challenging routines as the training facility at the National Aquatic Centre is unsuitable for high level training and its 10-metre platforms no longer meet international standards for synchronised diving.
Besides that, four of the six trampolines in the dry gym, located next to the aquatic centre, are torn, posing a safety hazard to the divers.
As a temporary measure, the concerned parties have used masking and duct tapes to cover the torn areas.
As the divers often use the trampolines to perfect their jumping skills, somersaults and twists in training, Zhuliang fears his divers could get injured before the Olympics.
"We need proper facilities. Our divers are almost there but in order for them to win Olympic medals, they need a proper training venue," said Zhuliang yesterday.
"I cannot conduct systematic training here and it gives me a headache. I'm focused on grooming our divers but our training is limited here.
"To be able to pose a serious threat at the Olympics, our divers need to execute tougher routines but we can't train with new techniques as the facilities are inadequate."
According to Zhuliang, the divers needed to train in China to constantly improve.
"I choose China because they have several world class facilities.
"Our divers are ready to try out new things but they can't do it here. For instance, Bryan Nickson Lomas is ready to train for the 4.1 difficult level routine but he can only do it in China," he said.
On this year's training plans, Zhuliang said the team would be heading for China for a short stint before next month's World Cup in London.
"I need at least one month or more in China but we have been given only a short stint. I hope our request for longer stints in China before the London Games will be granted," he added.
Read more: DIVING: Plunging into uncertainty amid poor facilities - Other - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/sports/other/diving-plunging-into-uncertainty-amid-poor-facilities-1.27614#ixzz1iS0XBJIC
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