Cheong Jun Hoong
Cover Cheong Jun Hoong. Photo: Gold Ray Sdn Bhd.
After the Diving World Cup in June 2018, Cheong Jun Hoong came back and began preparing for the Asian Games. Unfortunately, she injured her left knee a few days before departing to China for training camp. This swollen injury forced her to withdraw from the games, and now, in her recovery period, chats with Malaysia Tatler on her outlook on her life and career.

1. <strong>Recalling my career highlights and challenges these past few years</strong>

Tatler Asia
Cheong Jun Hoong at the 2017 FINA World Championships in Budapest
Above Cheong Jun Hoong at the 2017 FINA World Championships in Budapest. Photo: AFP.

I won a silver medal in the 2016 Rio Olympics. The most unforgettable one thus far, would be the gold medal at the 2017 World Championship in Budapest. I got a bronze medal too. It was a historical moment for me and Malaysia as that was the first time a Malaysian diver won the gold, and that I also won two medals in one world meet competition.

The biggest challenge for me would be my injuries, to be honest! All I can do is to make sure my injuries don’t get worse, so that I can maintain proper consistency in my training program, which is very difficult. Eventually, I will manage to adapt and fight my very best in every competition. And now, I have to face another challenge (my knee)!

2. <strong>I would like to see some changes, or help drive a change in our country</strong>

Tatler Asia
Cheong Jun Hoong at the AT&amp;T USA Diving Grand Prix. Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images.
Above Cheong Jun Hoong. Photo by Gold Ray Sdn Bhd.

Of course, I hope to see our country become better and better in the future, from every aspect. I hope that Malaysia can be recognised and known by people all around the world in the field of sports. For me, I take it this way: I am an athlete, I represent our country and it is my job and responsibility to dive and perform the best during every competition. Through all that I have achieved so far, I am truly grateful that the whole nation was supporting my teammates and I.

3. <strong>I try to give the best I can, and to never forget my roots.</strong>

Tatler Asia
Cheong Jun Hoong
Above Cheong Jun Hoong. Photo by Gold Ray Sdn Bhd.

The thought of giving up actually does come to my mind when I face obstacles; I am not a robot after all. Sometimes I feel tired, stressed and emotional too. But deep inside my heart, I will try to convince myself to try to find a balance. Things will never be easy – this is life!

However, I do strive to remain humble despite the victories, and to stay strong despite the failures. Always be grateful and remind yourself not to forget who had helped and lead you to your successful path. Most importantly, don't forget the fighting spirit in our own selves. God will have a plan.

4. <strong>My definition of success for is very simple</strong>

Tatler Asia
Cheong Jun Hoong being welcome by her friends and family after the Olympics. Photo by Farhan Najib Yusoff.
Above Cheong Jun Hoong being welcome by her friends and family after the Olympics. Photo by Farhan Najib Yusoff.

Every day is a new start, be a better version of yourself than yesterday. I think this is the biggest success in life. I have achieved my desired goals, and I am thankful for it. No matter how your future turns out, try to keep everything simple and maybe it will give you a happier life. Then, success will come.

I thank those who had let me down, so that I had a chance to get back up, showed them and proved them wrong. I also thank my family and friends for their endless support. Not forgetting the coaches – without them I would have only dreamed of creating history of being crowned world champion. 

I believe in this motto: "You will succeed if you persevere, and you will find joy in overcoming obstacles."

Tatler Asia
Cheong Jun Hoong
Above Cheong Jun Hoong. Photo by Gold Ray Sdn Bhd.

I keep the best, and worst advice, close to my heart and that pushes me forward

The best advice I always get are from people around me who remind me that 'every competition is like a war, no one will pity you'. Or 'you have to be strong and responsible for yourself', 'hang on', 'don't worry' ... there are simply too many to mention! However, the worst advice I ever got was a question of "Why not just leave and go home?"

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