Pandelela dives her way to Rio Olympics

Malaysia's Pandelela Rinong executing a dive in the women's 10m platfrom individual event at the World Championships in Russia on Wednesday. - REUTERS

PETALING JAYA: Diver Pandelela Rinong has become the first Malaysian athlete to check into next year’s Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

The 22-year-old from Sarawak finished eighth from 18 divers in the women’s 10m platform semi-finals to advance to the individual final of 12 divers at the World Aquatics Championships in Kazan, Russia, on Wednesday.