SHAH ALAM – Mental health gains increasing recognition as a crucial aspect of an athlete's journey. For Malaysian Olympic diver Ooi Tze Liang, maintaining a sense of balance has been key to staying mentally strong.
Speaking at Sinar Daily’s Sports Matters Podcast, held live at the University of Wollongong Australia (UOW) on Feb 20 as part of the ‘Choose Your Hard’ University Tour, Tze Liang described how he manages the pressures of professional diving while keeping his well-being in check.
"Mental health has become a major focus today and for me, maintaining balance comes down to setting clear priorities.
"When I am studying, my focus is on my subjects and assignments. When I am competing, my priority shifts to my performance and upcoming events. By structuring my life around these priorities, I find that my mental well-being naturally stays in check,” he said.
However, the road has not always been smooth. Like many athletes, Tze Liang faced an immense mental toll during the Covid-19 pandemic, when lockdowns restricted training and forced him into a routine of online classes and solitary workouts.
At one point, the Olympian even told his coach that he could not keep going and needed a break to spend quality time with his family.
"That break helped me return stronger and it reinforced how important it is to acknowledge mental health while staying committed to my goals,” he said.
Being a national athlete since 2008, Tze Liang has spent much of his life dedicated to diving.
His schedule revolves around pre-season, peak season and off-season—each demanding different levels of physical and mental commitment.
"Since my family lives in Penang, I only get to be with them during the off-season, which I dedicate entirely to bonding with them—sharing meals, conversations and quality time. It is my way of balancing my career and personal life.
"At the same time, I spend significantly more time with my teammates, coaches and friends than with my family. They, too, have become my extended family. Talking things out and sharing experiences has been a positive way to maintain my mental health.
"I always remind myself of the good moments, overcoming fears and negativity by focusing on the positive. No matter the situation, I believe tomorrow will be better because the past is already behind us, and looking forward is the only way to grow,” he said.
As a senior figure in Malaysia’s diving team, Tze Liang takes pride in mentoring younger athletes, stressing the importance of setting goals and maintaining balance.
"I encourage them to set priorities, strive for balance and establish goals that keep them motivated.
"Finding this balance is key to sustaining both success and well-being,” he added.