Pandelela is loving it

SUCCESS, as Pandelela Rinong has discovered since winning bronze in the London Olympics, doesn't only bring fame and fortune.

The diver has had to cope with some weird proposals as well, including asking for her hand in marriage on social networking sites. Some even wanted to bid for the swimsuit she wore en route to winning the 10m platform bronze but the 19-year-old Pandelela is taking it all in her stride. "I can't really walk in town without people recognising me. I've become like a celebrity," said Pandelela yesterday. "Everyone wants to meet me. Everyone wants my autograph. I am thankful to everyone who has made me a champion. "I want to attain more success for the country and I hope people will continue to support me." Such is her popularity that she has more than 4,000 friends on her Facebook account (Lulu G-Dolphin) and the number is growing. "I've been getting at least 1,000 requests daily on Facebook. However, I have decided to be more careful in accepting friend requests," added Pandelela, who hails from Kampung Jugan in Bau, which is 24 kilometres from Kuching. Pandelela has been busy attending functions since her return from London and to date, the daughter of a labourer has received more than RM500,000 in cash and bonds for her achievement. Pandelela was given a celebrity welcome when she arrived in Kuching several days ago, where she, for the first time, sat in luxury cars during the parade. "The people of Sarawak are very happy for me. I felt like a heroine when I arrived in Kuching a few days ago. Everyone is treating me well and I like the attention," she said. Fame, however, has not gotten into Pandelela's head as the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games silver medallist is eager to become a role model for youngsters. "I am relishing the added fame and attention but I am determined to stay grounded. "I believe more youngsters will want to do what I am doing and I will have to maintain my status as a champion so I have to keep working hard. My first priority is my event. And that's why I never get carried away." Pandelela, who has completed her matriculation, wants to pursue a degree in Sports Science. She has received scholarship offers to study either in Malaysia or Australia. The diver could move to Australia if national coach Yang Zhuliang decides to take up a coaching offer there after his four-year contract ends in October. Pandelela is currently on a two-week break. She will return to Kuala Lumpur after the national-level Merdeka celebrations in Kuching to resume training.