Divers make the leap to national team

KUCHING: National diving technical director Bryan Nickson Lomas visited the capital city during the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) 2024 with a specific mission: to scout for potential recruits for the 10m platform event.

He left satisfied with his findings.

Malaysia has a dearth of 10m platform divers due to the event’s height and difficulty.

While he didn’t name specific divers, Bryan confirmed having them in his plans.

As the former Sarawak Olympic diver, he said he would initially focus on the 10m synchronised event upon returning to Kuala Lumpur.

New names like Elvis Priestly anak Clement, who won gold in both the 10m and 3m springboard, impressed him.

Dayang Nursharzyra Awang Nasaruddin, a three-gold medalist and a silver medalist, is another potential platform diver.

Dayang and Muhammad Lutfir Rahman Mohammad Razak, won the 10m platform synchronised event, making them promising candidates for future development.

Bryan had already identified Nurul Farisha Alia Affendi’s potential before the games.

“She’s good and has proven it. Last year she also beat national diver Lee Yiat Qing in the Malaysian Open,” he said.

“Both need to upgrade their dive difficulties. Their current level isn’t competitive at international competitions, so we’re working hard to develop them,” he added.

He noted that Elvis excels in the 3m springboard, a common transition for platform divers as they age.

Bryan expressed particular interest in Mohd Lutfir and Dayang for the mixed synchronised 10m platform.

Nur Eilisha Rania’s performance has improved compared to previous competitions, but she needs to score higher to compete at the international level.