Former world diving champion Cheong Jun Hoong is on track to participate in the Tokyo Olympics after a successful appeal from the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM).

This comes after Jun Hoong was not included in the International Swimming Federation’s (FINA) list of entrants set to take part in the world’s most prestigious sporting event.
FINA’s decision to exclude Jun Hoong stemmed from her three-year hiatus from the scene after undergoing knee surgery.

Shortly after FINA’s announcement, the OCM filed an appeal urging the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to look into the qualifying criteria for diving as changes were made after the World Cup ended.

Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican confirmed FINA’s reversal on its prior decision, stating that Jun Hoong has earned her place based on merit.
The 2017 world diving champion will compete in the women’s 10m platform individual event alongside World Cup winner Pandelela Rinong in Tokyo.
With Jun Hoong’s inclusion, Malaysia now has five spots in diving for the Olympics.

Sources: The Star, Cover image via CheongJunHoong.com, NewStratstimes
Editor: Raymond Chen
Proofreader: Sarah Yeoh
