Golden achievement: Ooi showing his gold medal after winning the 10m platform final at the 29th SEA Games in August. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: It can get stressful for national diver Ooi Tze Liang to train for competitions while also studying to gain admission into Universiti Malaya.
Ooi, who turns 24 on Sunday, often skips late-night outings with his friends so that he can sleep early and be fully focused on his career as an athlete.
“It is important to be disciplined, especially when it comes to adhering to a healthy diet, and balancing my time between training, studying and resting.
“I do this to lower my risk of injury and improve my chances of performing well in competitions,” said the Penangite in a phone interview.
Ooi’s highly disciplined lifestyle has proven to be effective for his career.
In August, the Commonwealth Games gold medallist (for the 3m springboard at Glasgow 2014) retained two golds in the 3m springboard and 10m platform at the 29th SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur.
Earlier this month, he partnered Chew Yiwei to clinch silver in the men’s 3m springboard synchronised event at the Australian Diving Grand Prix in Gold Coast.
With numerous accolades under his belt at a young age, the sportsman now has his mind set on completing his university education.
He is currently applying to enrol in Universiti Malaya’s sports science degree programme.
“No matter how many medals I win or how far I go in sports, it would not matter if I do not complete my studies.
“The pursuit of education is something that is truly important to me,” the determined young man said.
Although he believes that discipline and good time management are essential habits to have as a successful sportsman and university student, Ooi finds it just as important to take time off his regular routine to work on his mental health.
“To release stress, I play Lego and watch YouTube videos.
“This is how I prevent negativity in my life – by setting aside time for my hobbies,” he revealed.
The youngest among three siblings, Ooi also unwinds by going back to his hometown in George Town, Penang, to spend time with his family.
“I go back to Penang once or twice a year for family reunions, and to visit my grandmother,” he added.
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The fair will be held at Spice Arena from Nov 17-19, 2017. It is open from 10am to 7pm and admission is free.
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