KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s diving darling Pandelela Rinong has created greater interest in the sport  after winning the bronze medal in the 10 meters individual platform at the London Olympics.

The 19-year-old Bidayuh, the first woman to have won an Olympics medal for the country, arrived home this morning greeted by hundreds of her appreciating fans at KLIA.

This is also the first time that Malaysia have won a non-badminton medal.

Pandelela also known as Lulu G-Dolphine, has also won more and more fans each other day. She is getting hotter.

Some ‘pakciks’ at a Ramadan bazaar in Ampang last week were discussing about Pandelela’s feat and obviously did not know much about the sport. Can’t blame them as football and badminton could be the sports which they are great fans.

Nevertheless, these these 'pak ciks' were all excited with Pandelela’s feat and each one of them tried to give opinions. They even discussed on  how the points given by judges to decide winners in diving!

Pandelela's parents Hartini Lamim (left) and Pamg JohengThese 'pakciks' are now Pandelela's fans and they are looking forward for her to compete in another competition.

Pandelela, herself, a few days ago while in London, apologized to excited fans who wanted to be her Facebook's friends but were denied as the requests were already full at 5,000. She promised to open another account, which she did.

"I hope to keep training for the next four years (in preparation for the 2016 Olympics)," she told reporters after her arrival at KLIA.

And she thanked the people of Malaysia, her fans and her family for standing by her all the way..

Earlier,  Pandelela fans gathered at the airport to greet and congratulate her upon her return.

Thirty-eight students from Bukit Jalil Sports School turned up at the airport, accompanied by teacher Samsyul Hisyam and officials.

"Pandelela has really inspired our students, especially the girls, in the field of aquatic sport," he said.

Hisyam said he was not surprised that Pandelela had reached such heights as she was exceptionally talented and determined.

alt

alt

alt

-- mD