DIVING: Pandelela dives back into training

PANDELELA Rinong finally returned to training for the first time yesterday since her bronze medal feat at the London Olympics. But the Bidayuh lass turned up late for the afternoon session as she had to attend a function organised by the Education Ministry. Pandelela, 19, went through her routines under the watchful eyes of national coach Yang Zhuliang with full of zest and determination. "I am happy to be back. It has been three weeks since I last dived. My focus is to get back my fitness and prepare for the next competition," said Pandelela at the National Aquatic Centre . "I am really happy to meet Zhuliang and my teammates. Success has not gotten to my head. I am still the same determined person." On whether she will still attend functions, Pandelela said she will prioritise training first. "Yes, I have to admit I've been attending too many functions but it is time for training as I need to get back my fitness," she said. Pandelela, who won bronze in the 10m platform in London, will lead the squad for the Asian Championships in Dubai on Nov 22-25. Zhuliang admitted that he was a little worried when Pandelela did not show up for the morning session yesterday. "I was told she had a function, I thought she wouldn't turn up. It is good that she showed up as I need to prepare her for the Asian meet. "She needs to work on her fitness and routines as being absent for three weeks is a long time, "However, I am confident she will return to her best as she is a talented diver," said Zhuliang. The coach is expected to try out Traisy Vivien, in place of Leong Mun Yee, with Pandelela in the platform synchro for the Asian meet. "They will start training together once the platform at the Aquatic Centre has been repaired," he said. On additional coaches, Zhuliang revealed he has identified three China-born candidates to help him out. "The National Sports Council (NSC) will get in touch with them. They, together with retired-diver Yeoh Ken Nee will be part of my coaching set-up," Zhuliang added. Read more: DIVING: Pandelela dives back into training - Other - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/sports/other/diving-pandelela-dives-back-into-training-1.136255#ixzz26V7GchgG