Nur Suryani fails to hit target

LET'S not take the credit away from Nur Suryani Taibi, who after being the focus of worldwide media, returns to Malaysia on Wednesday empty-handed.

The fact is that she had met the qualifying mark to make the London trip is a small achievement itself in the "Malaysia Boleh" spirit.

But her participation did not come without fuss and organizations and people bending backwards to accommodate her requests.

The upheaval around her participation started with the initial announcement that her husband instead of her coach would accompany her to London. In the end good sense prevailed – the coach got his accreditation and hubby went along as a spectator.

Even the national carrier had to dispense with rules and regulations, having to compromise by having on board a eight-month pregnant woman. It caused further furore as health and safety regulations do not allow heavily pregnant women to fly.

She did not make the cut to the final rounds. The fact that she finished 34th out of the 56 competitors in the 10m air rifle event must be considered "mission accomplished". Competing against shooters who have shot perfect scores, she had come more for the experience than being in the winner's circle.

But her performance was far below her personal best. She managed 392 points compared to 397 shot on previous occasions, which may have taken her into the final rounds. In such events where there is a big field, a five-point gap proved costly as China's Yi Siling picked up the gold on countback with 399 points.