A stepping stone to further success
Published on: Saturday, September 02, 2017
Kota Kinabalu: They might just be 16 years old, but Gabriel Gilbert Daim and Jellson Jalibin have proved that they are more than merely novices in the recently concluded SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur.Both Sabah-born divers made the State and the country proud with their gold medal feats in their respective events.Describing the achievement as a stepping stone to chart further success in other competitions, Gabriel has set his eyes to make a splash in the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia.
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"After the experience in KL2017, I am more determined to improve my skills and technique… I will also be more hardworking as well as follow my coach's advice," he said when met at a homecoming session at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport, here, Friday.They were welcomed by Sabah Sports Council director Terrence Pudin, family members and other officials.Gabriel paired up with Pandelela Rinong Pamg to clinch the gold medal in the team event which was introduced for the first time in the SEA Games.In the team event, two divers – man and woman – would dive off from the 10m platform and 3m springboard in three rounds and points were combined to determine the winner.
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Jellson, too, has aimed to be selected to don the national colours in future championships."I really hope I will be chosen to take part in the next Fina Diving Grand Prix as well as the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia," he said.
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In Kuala Lumpur, Jellson won gold medals in the mixed synchronised 10m platform with Leong Mun Yee as well as the men's synchronised 10m platform, partnering Hanis Nazirul Jaya Surya.Both Gabriel and Jellson created history for aquatic sport in the State after their names were among the 16 selected by the national body for the SEA Games.It was the first time Sabahans have made it to the SEA Games diving squad and the Bukit Jalil Sports School-based athletes were overjoyed with the opportunity to represent the country.The two young divers had their first international breakthrough in the recent Macau Asian Diving Cup with Gabriel partnering Rio Olympian Nur Dhabitah Sabri to take silver in the mixed synchronised 3m springboard event while Jellson also won silver in the men's synchronised 10m platform with Hanis Nazirul.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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