Sukma XXI: Tears flow after costly mistake leaves Sarawak divers off 3M springboard synchronised podium

KUCHING (Aug 21): Sarawak’s Awang Sharzan Nasrin Awang Nasaruddin and Soh Tze Kang saw their hopes of a medal for the 3M springboard synchronised diving event slip away today when the former made a costly mistake.

After a strong performance in the earlier rounds, the duo seemed poised to secure a silver medal.

However, Awang Sharzan, who won the mix synchronised 3m springboard gold medal with sister Dayang Nursharzyra yesterday, failed to complete his final dive as planned, performing only 1 1/2 turns instead of the intended 2 1/2.

This error led to a significant loss of points, pushing the pair out of medal contention.

They eventually placed fifth with a total of 262.08 points.

Visibly distraught, Awang Sharzan broke down in tears as he emerged from the pool.

His coaches and fellow divers quickly gathered around to offer comfort.

Among those offering support was Olympian Bertrand Rhodict Lises, who has been a constant presence at the diving events, showing his solidarity with the Sarawak diving team.

Coach Shi Yang later explained that the mistake was likely due to the overwhelming stress that Awang Sharzan felt in the final moments.

“They had been doing so well, and it’s unfortunate that stress got the better of him at such a critical time,” he said.

The gold medal was claimed by the Federal Territories duo Nurqayyum Nazmi Mohamad Nazim and Rui Jie Yong, who dominated the event with a score of 346.05 points.

The silver medal went to Terengganu’s Ikmal Abror Ibrahim and Muhammad Haris Mohd Rezal, who earned 289.20 points, while Min Hern Chan and Muhammad Ahza Dzakirin Alizar from Perak took the bronze with 277.86 points.