DIVING: IT’S PERFORMANCE, NOT AGE, THAT MATTERS

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 20 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Aquatics (MAS) has acknowledged concerns over the stagnation of several senior national divers while stressing that performance remains the key criterion for retaining athletes in the programme.

Its secretary-general, Andy Low, said the federation is implementing adjustments in training and programming to help divers improve their Minimum Qualifying Scores (MQS), adding that attitude and work ethic are crucial factors.

“To move forward, they have to change their attitude. They have to train hard, listen to their coaches and achieve their KPIs (key performance indicators).

“As an athlete, you want to go up high and you want to continue training, you have to do what your challengers are doing. The world champions are now 14-year-olds and 16-year-olds… If you want to be there, you have to train like them, train just as hard, perform just as well,” he said.

He said this after a working committee meeting at the National Sports Council (NSC) in Bukit Jalil here, today.

Meanwhile, Andy said today’s meeting resulted in several key decisions regarding athlete selection and programme restructuring.

“We have proof that the new athletes (swimmers) are capable of reaching the podium at the 2027 SEA Games. For diving, it's the same. We also improved,” he added.

Andy said MAS will make an official announcement regarding the appointment of foreign coaches for the national diving and swimming squads once all processes are finalised.

-- BERNAMA