Guest Athlete: Q & A with Leong Mun Yee

Diver Leong Mun Yee missed Chinese New Year holiday recently as she has been away in China for training. Still, she did send a video greeting via FB to her family, friends and fans back home.The only Malaysian woman athlete to have competed in four Olympics so far, she  intends to compete in the next SEA Games in 2015 and the Rio Olympics in 2016. "I want to qualify for another Olympics as I feel Pandelela (Rinong) and I have a good chance to win a medal if we prepare well,” she reportedly said. It is a great honour for Bola Pantai Timur to welcome Leong Mun Yee as she graces our first Guest Athlete column. Excerpts...


Q.   When did you first become a professional athlete and why did you choose diving?

I first joined diving when I was 10 just for the fun of it. Diving was new in Malaysia and I was just trying out. I never thought I would go so far then. I became professional when I was selected for the Commonwealth Games Jaya 98 squad. 

Q.  Can your please share with us your major achievements to date?

Thirteen gold medals in SEA Games. Two silvers and one bronze in Asian Games. One silver in Commonwealth Games. Two bronze medals in World Championships. I`ve lost count silver and bronze medals  in Fina Diving World Series. 

Mun Yee: Ambitious, brave, daring

Q.   What factors contributed towards your success as an athlete?

The support from my family, friends, coaches, team mates etc. And of course hardwork and determination. 

Q. What drives you towards greater heights?

My dream and target. 

Q.  Do you have a sport or other role model(s)?

Retired Chinese diver Fu Ming Xia and Guo Jingjing. 

Q.  Your preparation for coming Games/ sporting events.

 I'm currently in China for 2 months intensive training before the 1st World Series in March.

Q.  How do you prioritize you activities and manage your time?
  
I spend most of my time training, Mon-Fri from 8.30am to 12pm and from 3pm-7pm. On Sat, training is from 8.30-12pm. And I go for classes at UPM in between. I take a mass communication course majoring in broadcasting at UPM.

Q.  Would you like to share your hobbies and interests?

I like cooking, baking, making chocolate and I use to do crafts like cross-stitching and knitting but there isn't time for that now. 

Q.  Do you like football? Why?

Yes I do. But I seldom have the chance to watch.

We get to learn teamwork from them as football is a team event and teamwork is very important.

Q. What can football learn from diving? 

 In diving, we need to dive from heights. Football may want to note our courage and daring to try out something new.

   
 Q. Would you recommend other athletes to also study at the same time?

Of course as I think education is also very important.

Q. Your future plans?


I may work in a TV station, become a coach or do something else.