A local newspaper has caught the ire of social media users recently, after it had described decorated Olympian and national diver Datuk Pandelela Rinong’s performance at the recent Commonwealth Games as ‘disappointing’ in their coverage of her diving events. According to Stadium Astro, Monday’s mixed mixed synchronised 10-metre platform final was Pandelela’s final chance at securing a win for this year’s Commonwealth Games, but both she and Jellson Jabillin placed fourth.
Local newspaper describes Datuk Pandelela’s performance as ‘disappointing’ at Commonwealth Games
And despite what would no doubt have amounted to an incredible show of physical prowess and athletic finesse on the part of our national athletes who have competed at the games, one Malaysian newspaper has apparently described the Malaysian diving queen’s latest outing as ‘disappointing’, according to a Tweet that was shared to their official Twitter page.
“National diving athlete Datuk Pandelela Rinong continues to disappoint the country when she failed for the third time in a row to secure any medals, including gold, at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games.” they wrote.
Charting her progress throughout the games, the article adds that Pandelela did not finish on the podium during the 10m platform individual and 10m platform synchro events, prior to her synchronised 10-metre platform final with Jabillin.
Netizens come out in defence for the national diving queen
The post, which has since attracted the attention of local social media users, has been met with much derision over the unnecessarily harsh and negative tone.
“Ha, this is how humans are, when they can’t appreciate the fact that she has done her best. Do you think she’s just jumping for fun? Haih! Making me angry this early in the morning. Someone’s going to get a slipper to the face in a moment.”
“Yeah, let’s just send writers from your newspaper. I’m sure they’d win all the gold medals, right? Casually disregard someone’s hard work. That’s just the custom of competitions. Sometimes we win, sometimes we lose. Shame on you, journalist!”
“People spend months training, getting wet, climbing up the stairs repeatedly only to dive again. Don’t write headlines like that. Every person who competes wants to win. Why don’t you write a more encouraging headline?”
“Negative headline. You are the ones disappointing readers with such titles. Be more positive. Nevermind the fact that you didn’t put in any effort, you try to get smart with such negative titles. The person who wrote this title and the person who approved it can both be replaced.”
Pandelela herself has spoken about her experience at this year’s Commonwealth Games, and has described it as a ‘humbling’ one while admitting that she had struggled during her individual events.
“Sometimes, you have to experience both ups and downs in order to push you forward. I will return home to reflect and recuperate well.” she said.
She has also thanked her coaches and teammates for their continued encouragement, and vows to do better in her coming competitions.
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