Born on April 16, 1990, in the historic city of Ipoh, Perak, Cheong Jun Hoong has become one of Malaysia’s most celebrated athletes, inspiring a generation with her dedication, talent, and indomitable spirit. From a very young age, Cheong displayed a natural affinity for water. She began swimming at the age of four, but it was at nine years old that she discovered her true calling in diving when she started training under the guidance of Perak’s state coach, Zhou Xiyang. Her family’s support and her own unwavering passion propelled her to join the prestigious Bukit Jalil Sports School at thirteen, where her potential was nurtured and polished.
Cheong’s career is studded with remarkable achievements that have placed Malaysia on the global diving map. A major breakthrough came during the 2016 Rio Olympics, where she, alongside teammate Pandelela Rinong, won a silver medal in the women’s 10-meter synchronized platform event. This podium finish was a proud moment for Malaysian sports and fueled Cheong’s ambition even further. The following year, she made history at the 2017 FINA World Championships in Budapest by clinching Malaysia’s first-ever diving world title in the 10m platform event. Her performance was nothing short of spectacular, earning perfect 10s from four judges and defeating China’s traditionally dominant divers with a total score of 397.5. This victory not only brought her international acclaim but also ignited pride and hope for Malaysian athletes.
Cheong’s journey, however, was far from smooth. Throughout her career, she battled numerous injuries, including a significant knee injury that required surgery in 2018. Such physical setbacks often force athletes to reconsider their futures, and Cheong too grappled with thoughts of retirement. Yet, her resilience and love for the sport saw her return stronger, representing Malaysia in three consecutive Olympic Games: London 2012, Rio 2016, and Tokyo 2020. Each competition was a testament to her perseverance and her relentless pursuit of excellence despite adversity.
Beyond medals and titles, Cheong Jun Hoong’s legacy lies in her role as a trailblazer and role model. She has inspired countless Malaysians, especially young women, to dream bigger and strive harder, proving that with determination, challenges can be overcome. Her story exemplifies the power of grit, discipline, and passion in sports, transcending national boundaries to motivate aspiring athletes around the world. Cheong continues to be a symbol of Malaysia’s sporting spirit, a champion not just in the pool but in life itself.