Dhabitah on track in her quest to become nation’s top diver

GLASGOW: Nur Dhabitah Sabri was just 14 when she won a SEA Games gold in Myanmar last year.

Two days ago, she bagged her first medal in the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

Things are going just fine for the 15-year-old Dhabitah in her pursuit to become the nation’s top diver.

On Wednesday, Commonwealth Games debutant Dhabitah held her nerve to combine well with the more experienced Pandelela Rinong to win a bronze in the 10m platform synchro at the Royal Commonwealth Pool.

Dhabitah was unable to add to her medal collection after finishing sixth in the 3m springboard synchro with Ng Yan Yee.

The pint-sized Dhabitah, standing at only 151cm, is happy that her decision to switch from swimming to diving is bearing fruit.

“I took up swimming when I was seven years old. I was so small and so short … and most of the times all the tall and big swimmers would be far ahead of me,” said Dhabitah.

“My father saw that I wouldn’t stand a chance in swimming, so, he sent me to Cheras for diving classes.

“And I’ve never looked back since.”

She is also happy that she got the chance to pair up with Olympic bronze medallist Pandelela, whom she idolises.

“Pandelela has been very supportive and I’m glad that I got to partner her. In diving, everyone makes mistake … but it’s how we pick ourselves up from our disappointment that is very important.

“I have been progressing well every year and, I think, my diving career is heading in the right direction.

“I don’t give up easily and I intend to stay positive in training and competition.”

She certainly has the right attitude.

And that could very well help the little Dhabitah spring a surprise in her last event – the 3m springboard individual tomorrow.