The pair won bronze medals in the women's 10 metre platform synchronised event at the World Championships in Rome last week and have now been added to the 17 elite athletes in the "Road to London 2012" programme set up by the Malaysian Government.

 

 

They became the first divers from Malaysia to win a medal at the World Championships.

 

Diving, therefore, becomes the fourth sport to be included in the scheme which also includes competitors from archery, badminton and cycling.

 

Mun Lee, 16, and Rinong, 24, were also rewarded with RM10,000 (£1,714) for their performance.

 

Malaysia's Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek said the inclusion of diving among focus sports for London 2012 showed the opportunity for other sports to earn a spot remained open.

 

He said: "Although previously only 17 athletes were included from cycling, archery and badminton, the success of the divers had enabled the sport to be included as well."

 

The "Road to London 2012" programme was launched in February by former Youth and Sports minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and aimed at winning the country's first ever gold medal in the Olympics.

 

The success of Mun Lee and Rinong follows that of track cyclists Azizulhasni Awang Muda and Mohd Rizal Tisin, who won a silver and bronze medal respectively at the World Track Cycling Championships in Poland in March.