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.
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.
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
