The duo, hailed as Malaysia's best hope for an Olympics medal, only managed to finish eight in the Women's Synchronised 10m Platform event.
And there's no one more disappointed in the result than Pandelela herself, judging by her reaction that went viral on Twitter.
Authentic reaction
The 28-year-old's reaction upon seeing her result has now been enshrined as a true Malaysian moment.
The moment came after Pandelela and Leong's fifth and final dive.
As Pandelela kept her eyes peeled on the scoreboard, she couldn't help but turn away in disgust when their score was revealed.
But just a split second before that, she uttered what seemed to be the word 'babi' (pig) in disappointment.
Here's the video:
last part ?? #pandelela pic.twitter.com/8pS8tWIUd2
— ~Shahira Hussain~ (@shahirahussain) July 27, 2021
Malaysians love it!
Although it was a spur-of-a-moment thing, Malaysians hailed her "Malaysian spirit" instead of chiding her for muttering the forbidden word.In fact, netizens came out in drove to support Pandelela on Twitter:
A true Malaysian ? https://t.co/WFV4VBuHfw
— Ralayno (@ralayno) July 27, 2021
Truely Malaysian spirit. Would react the same in such situation. https://t.co/Ok4pJ8Y35h
— SM (@Synzhri) July 27, 2021
Pandelela saying “babi” is such a mood pic.twitter.com/c4fSd2B176
— Typical Malaysian (@TypicalMsian) July 27, 2021
true malaysian, definitely loved this! ?? @Pandelela_R ? https://t.co/TouocFOu8H
— ?? (@aqie_aqlh) July 27, 2021
comel je hahahahaha nak crush dekat pandelela je rasa
— syai (@qweenbhyun) July 28, 2021
Caught Pandelela saying "babi" when Round 5 results came out haha. Now that's very Malaysian and I love every ounce of this Malaysian spirit! ?
— chermaine ???? (@suetmei) July 27, 2021
Pandelela cursed in "b@bi" when the results came out, very Malaysians' behaviour ? btw to Pandelela & Mun Yee , you guys did very well! ?❤️
— muna ⑉・̆⌓・̆⑉ (@tinyyyjungwon) July 27, 2021
pic.twitter.com/9eXosFXH0R
Pandelela babi gonna be iconic things in Malaysia after this. Stan Queen pandalela❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/JDLL8BtZOh
— ??? ????? ??? ????? (@CSepgu) July 27, 2021
YESSS QUEEN SAID “BABI” LIKE NO ONE BUSINESS????? SO TRUE PANDELELA #SokongMalaysia #GanbatteMalaysia pic.twitter.com/Wwxm4h5i5L
— ?zara⁵⁺⁺? (@MidoisPerfect) July 27, 2021
10 kali pandelela punya video lalu. 50 kali akan ulang2 tengok? perfect gilos
— ภίภίєy คzŦίŦŦ (@NinieyAzfiff) July 28, 2021
gotta channel pandelela's energy in life #babi ?
— Hanz (@ninaaairfan) July 27, 2021
Whatever it may be, we're still proud of you, Leong Mun Yee and Pandelela Rinong.