By Maryam Nasir
KUALA LUMPUR, 28 August 2021: National powerlifting champion, Bonnie Bunyau Gustin, pulled off an amazing feat when he won the first gold medal for Malaysia on the fourth day of the Tokyo Paralympic Games today.
The Sarawak-born Bonnie described the achievement as a gift to celebrate the National Day of the country.
œThis is indeed a sweet memory for me and also as a gift in conjunction with our National Day.
“This medal is very important to me as this is my first appearance and I have done my best,” he said in an online interview on Saturday.
Bonnie broke the Paralympic record with 228kg thus leaving nearest challengers Mahmoud Attia of Egypt in second place (191kg) and Micky Yule of Great Britain in third place (182kg).
Commenting further, Bonnie said the family were among the people that pushed him to achieve success today.
” I was in touch with my family before going to bed yesterday, asked for advice, and prayed for my success today and everything came true,” he added.
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah expressed their congratulations through a post on the official Facebook page of Istana Negara.
Their Majesties also expressed their happiness and pride over the success of the Sarawak-born, thus making Malaysia’s name on the world stage.
“Bonnie’s success is a very meaningful success for the Malaysian contingent and also as an inspiration to fellow athletes to continue the hunt for medals in the biggest tournament of Paralympic sports,” according to the post.
Their Majesties described Bonnie’s outstanding achievement as once again proving that Malaysia is capable of producing athletes and individuals of quality, caliber, and international standard.
According to the note, the success also proves that with commitment, a high fighting spirit, and hard work, people are able to compete and succeed at the world level. ***