Jun Hoong qualifies for Tokyo Olympics on merit

PETALING JAYA: In a surprise turn of events, diver Cheong Jun Hoong has qualified for the Tokyo Olympics.

The former world champion will compete in the women's 10m platform individual in Tokyo following a successful appeal by the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) on behalf of Malaysia.

Aquatics governing body FINA had informed Malaysia Swimming (MS) earlier this week that Jun Hoong had failed to qualify for the Olympics via the Tokyo World Cup held in May following a change in the qualifying criteria.

OCM then 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 concluded.

With her inclusion, Malaysia will now have five spots in diving for the Olympics.

Jun Hoong will join World Cup winner Pandelela Rinong in the women's 10m platform individual event in Tokyo.

"FINA has confirmed that Jun Hoong has qualified for the Tokyo Olympic Games on merit.

"It was based on the result of the platform event at the Tokyo World Cup where she finished 18th.

"Continue to work hard and do your best in Tokyo," said Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican on Facebook on Saturday (June 26) morning.