KUALA LUMPUR: National diver Pandelela Rinong has vowed to "bounce back" after a disappointing outing at the Doha World Aquatics Championships, which also served as a qualifier for the Paris Olympics, last week.
Pandelela failed to secure qualification in the women's 10m platform individual and sychro (partnering Nur Dhabitah Sabri) events, in Doha. The latter was struggling with a tricep injury.
The Sarawakian, who made her games debut at Beijing 2008, had never failed to qualify for the individual event before.
Pandelela, who has been battling various injuries in recent seasons, apologised for not living up to expectations.
"Despite my best effort preparing for the Doha World Championship — the good and the bad — I'll take them as a lesson moving forward," said Pandelela on social media today.
"I thank everyone (for the) support in my Olympic qualifying journey and please forgive me that I couldn't keep my promise this time around.
"No matter what, I'll keep my chin up and bounce back stronger in future competition as I'm not done yet and will continue trusting in God's plan."
The 31-year-old became the first Malaysian woman to win an Olympic medal when she claimed bronze in the 10m platform individual event at London 2012. It was also the first time Malaysia had won a medal in a sport other than badminton at the Olympics.
She then backed it up with a silver in the 10m platform synchro with then partner Cheong Jun Hoong at Rio 2016.
Pandelela has also won seven world championship medals throughout her career.