Sarawak siblings dive to gold in 3m springboard mixed synchro event

KUCHING (Aug 20): Sarawak siblings Awang Sharzan Nasrin Awang Nasaruddin and Dayang Nursharzyra Awang Nasaruddin clinched gold in the three-metre (3m) springboard mixed synchronised diving event at the 21st Malaysia Games (Sukma XXI) today.

Awang Sharzan, 19, who is a sports science student at a local university, shared that he faced a series of challenges leading up to the games, which nearly derailed his Sukma dreams.

“Just months before the competition, personal problems weighed heavily on my mind, making me question whether I could continue.

“There were moments when I felt like giving up,” he told The Borneo Post after his event.

However, the unwavering support of his family and his longtime coach, Rosatimah Muhammad, kept him focused on his goal.

On the first day of Sukma XXI diving events on Monday, Awang Sharzan was heartbroken as he failed to secure a medal in the individual 3M springboard event, a moment that intensified his determination to succeed in the synchronised event with his sister.

“I was really sad that I couldn’t bring home a medal for Sarawak yesterday (Monday),” he said.

But with renewed resolve, he and his sister executed a flawless routine that secured them the top spot on the podium.

Their victory was the result of years of hard work and dedication. For the past 11 years, Awang Sharzan has been training under the guidance of Rosatimah, who has been like a second mother to him since he first entered the sport at just eight years old.

His sister, Dayang Nursharzyra, started even younger, at the age of six. Together, they have spent countless hours in training, dedicating five hours each day to perfecting their dives.

In the final days before Sukma, Awang Sharzan ensured that both he and his sister were well-rested, understanding that peak performance required not just skill, but also proper preparation.

Awang Sharzan, the second of four siblings, expressed profound gratitude to his parents, who have been the backbone of his journey.

Their father and mother, both self-employed, have worked tirelessly to support the family and their children’s ambitions.

“This win is for them,” he said, his voice filled with emotion. “They’ve sacrificed so much for us.”