fbpx
Connect with us

Culture

“You’re a true legend” – M’sian Para Powerlifter Bonnie Bunyau Clinches Gold Medal & Breaks World Record

Published

bonnieft
Source: BERNAMA

Follow us on Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest stories and updates daily.

Just days after Cheah Liek Hou brought home Malaysia’s first gold medal in the men’s SU5 (physical disability) singles final at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, we have now won another gold medal!

Powerlifter Bonnie Bunyau Gustin delivered Malaysia’s second gold medal at the Paris Paralympics in style after he broke a new world record of 232kg in the men’s up to 72kg final.

He started his campaign with 221kg in his first lift and 226kg in his second before the 232kg lift in the third attempt to break his Tokyo Paralympic record of 228kg and the 2023 World Para Powerlifting Championship of 231kg.

medal
Source: BERNAMA

In an interview with BERNAMA, Bonnie mentioned that he had been struggling with severe left shoulder pain. He revealed that the pain started during training at the Porte de La Chapelle Arena and had led to significant swelling.

“The first lift was painful, and it only worsened with each attempt. I’ve never experienced such pain before; it used to be just my back shoulder.”

The 25-year-old athlete, who has dwarfism, said that the pain was due to insufficient warm-up before his Paris 2024 training sessions.

bonnie
Source: BERNAMA

Due to the discomfort, Bonnie admitted that he was anxious about his performance.

“I was really afraid I wouldn’t be able to perform at Paris 2024, but I tried to calm myself two to three days before the competition to ensure I was mentally prepared and motivated to do my best.”

Bonnie dedicated his victory to his family, coaches, the Youth and Sports Ministry, the National Sports Council, the National Sports Institute and the Malaysian Paralympic Council for their unwavering support.

He also shared that he plans to use the RM1 million reward from the Sports Victory Prize Scheme (SHAKAM) to support his family in Sarawak.

Meanwhile, congratulations have been poured in for Bonnie, including messages from Prime Minister Anwar, former squash queen Datuk Nicol David, and plenty more.

Nicol David complimented Bonnie and said, “I remember when I was still competing. We would cross paths in the gym, and even after the toughest session, you would still be there. You would train so hard, so long that I would finish and just admire your power, and to this day, I don’t know how you did it.”

“I will always be the first believer that Paralympians are the true legends of sports because they work three times as hard. You’re a testament to that, and now you are a two-time gold medal winner, and you even broke the world record again.”

“I can honestly say that you’re a true legend, and I admire you the most. Thank you for showing Malaysia the value of hard work and big dreams,” shared the eight-time former squash world champion.

 

Congratulations to Bonnie, and thank you for making Malaysia proud!

 

Also read: Paralympic Gold Medallist Cheah Liek Hou Wants to Donate Part of His RM1 Million Reward to Charity

Collage 18

Follow us on Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest stories and updates daily.



Just In

maybankft maybankft
News13 hours ago

Maybank S’pore to Provide Junior Staff with One-Time RM4K Payment to Offset Rising Living Costs

Maybank Singapore announced on February 28 that it will provide its junior employees with a one-time payment of S$1,250  (RM4,127)...

bombaft bombaft
News13 hours ago

Boy in Shah Alam Gets Stuck in Clay Jar While Bathing, Had to Be Rescued by Bomba

A young boy had a frightening experience last night when he got stuck in a large clay jar while bathing...

collage 1 collage 1
News15 hours ago

“I’m sorry, mummy” – 4yo in S’pore Brutally Abused to Death by Mother and BF, Who Burnt Her Corpse

Trigger warning: This article contains details of child abuse that readers may find upsetting. Megan Khung was severely abused. She...

collage collage
News16 hours ago

Illegal Midnight Race on Guthrie Highway Kills 1 Mat Rempit & Injures 2 Others

An illegal race on the Guthrie Highway took a tragic turn after it took away the life of a Mat...

fireft fireft
News17 hours ago

669 People Left Homeless in Likas After Fire Destroys 80 Homes

A fire in Likas has razed 80 homes leaving 669 people homeless in Kampung Cempaka due to unknown circumstances. A...

teacherft teacherft
News1 day ago

Teacher Accused of Being in a Relationship with His 12yo Student, Parents Lodge Police Report

A male teacher at a primary school in Dengkil is being investigated by the police after allegedly having a special...

epfft epfft
News2 days ago

EPF Declares Dividend Rate of 6.3% for 2024, Higher Than Previous Years

The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) has declared a dividend rate of 6.3% for conventional savings for 2024, with the total...

feat image love life feat image love life
News2 days ago

Study: M’sia Ranks 5th Globally in Love Life Satisfaction, 67% of M’sians Pleased with Their Sex Lives

Ipsos, one of the world’s largest market research companies, recently published the latest edition of its Love Life Satisfaction Index,...

Announcement

Latest Videos



TRENDING TODAY