A SUDDEN loss of enthusiasm and idea on how to perform the perfect routine is a situation that can happen to any diver, said Nur Dhabitah Sabri, who will be in action at the July 23-Aug 8 Tokyo Olympics.
Nur Dhabitah, 22, said it is every diver's nightmare to be in a situation where one is incapable of performing his or her usual diving routine, other than the fear of being injured when diving.
The Kuala Lumpur-born said she had heard stories of divers being forced to withdraw from their events because of such fears and self-doubt.
"I don't know if such things have happened in Malaysia, but many athletes overseas were forced to quit because they no longer knew how to dive... they just don't have the feeling and confidence anymore, and they just can't do it.
"So, it is matters like these that we (divers) fear," said Nur Dhabitah.
Nur Dhabitah said: "It is dangerous to dive when you are afraid. I've heard such stories from fellow divers. It is indeed very sad because although you can dive, suddenly you freeze."
The diver earned an Olympic spot when she won the women's 3m springboard event at the 2019 Asian Cup in KL.
She conceded that the Covid-19 pandemic has been a bane for them in their preparation for Tokyo, adding that it was something unexpected.
"In the past, we were stressed too whenever we were in Australia or China for training camps but at least then, we could be patient because we knew that we would be able to go home and meet our families.
"But this time, we don't know when we can go back, don't know how long we will be stuck here nor when we can recover from Covid-19 in Malaysia... everything is a question mark," said Nur Dhabitah.
But, being the professional athlete that she is and having made many appearances in prestigious championships, including the 2016 Rio Olympics, she intends to shoulder her responsibility as best as possible at the Tokyo Games. - BERNAMA