HANGZHOU: Diver Pandelela Rinong has reiterated that she is "earning an honest living" and remains relevant to the national diving squad.
Despite a decline in performance, the 30-year-old, who made her debut at the 2010 Guangzhou Asiad, silenced her critics by winning two medals at the Hangzhou Asian Games.
The Sarawakian believes that God provides not all the time, but when it is meant to be.
"I'm very grateful. The journey has been a long and challenging one.
"At the 2022 World Championships in Budapest, I won two bronze medals, but at the Commonwealth Games, I didn't win anything. There was no luck there.
"I wasn't in my best shape at the recent world meet in Fukuoka, and did not win anything either, missing out on the first Olympic qualifier.
"However, it's the opposite here at the Asian Games, I got two bronze.
"I believe God is fair, He doesn't give all the time, but when it's the right time.
"I can assure everyone that I earn an honest living, and am not sitting around doing nothing." said Pandelela.
According to the two-time Olympic medallist, diving is what she is most passionate about.
While there are many who believe that she is over the hill, there are many more who still encourage and support her.
"Those who have experienced what I've gone through, will know what I mean.
"Those who talk bad about me, are those who don't know. It's easier said than done. I don't wish anything bad upon them though I believe in karma." added Pandelela.
She remains upbeat about her chances of qualifying for another Olympic Games. Her next shot at qualifying is the World Championships in Doha next year.
At the Hangzhou Games, Pandelela won a bronze in the women's 10m platform synchro with Nur Dhabitah Sabri, and then settled for another bronze in the individual event, ending Malaysia's 13-year wait for a medal in the event.
For the record, it was also Pandelela who last won it on her debut in Guangzhou.
