PARA SUKMA: BONNIE'S SUCCESS INSPIRES BROTHER BRYAN TO RECORD-BREAKING SHOW

By Vikneswaran Raman

KUCHING, Sept 24 (Bernama) -- Sarawak powerlifter Bryan Junency Gustin, driven by his younger brother Bonnie Bunyau’s world record-breaking feat at the Paris Paralympics, produced an outstanding performance at the 2024 Malaysia Para Games (Para SUKMA) here today.

The 27-year-old Bryan powered his way to a national record en route to clinching two gold medals in the men’s below 88-kilogramme (kg) category at the Youth and Sports Complex.

Bryan got the ball rolling by lifting 180kg in his first attempt, leaving his opponents trailing in his wake. He then raised it to 185kg and 191kg for his second and third attempts.

Buoyed, Bryan then increased the weight to 201kg. Unfortunately, it proved too much for him. Still, the 191kg he lifted was enough to erase Nicodemus Manggoi Moses’ 190kg national and Para SUKMA records set at the 2022 edition in Kuala Lumpur and give him the gold for best lift.

Bryan also took the gold for total lift with a 556kg overall score. Perak’s Chee Der Min clinched two silver medals for best lift of 123kg and 365kg for overall, while Mohd Nazrisa’ Arizal Mat Saad (105kg, 307kg) of Selangor took the bronze medals. 

“I began to feel confident after the second lift. But I failed in my 201kg attempt because I brushed against the bar. My personal best was 186kg but I’ve managed to lift over 200kg twice during training.

“I was delighted with Bonnie’s achievements at the international level. They served as an inspiration for me today,” he told reporters, adding that he hopes to win gold at the 2025 ASEAN Para Games in Thailand.

Bryan also wished their youngest brother, 15-year-old Brownson John all the best when he competes in the below 80kg category tomorrow.

For the record, at the Paris Paralympics last month, Bonnie defended his gold in the men’s 72kg category by lifting 232kg, breaking the previous world record of 231kg he had set at the 2023 World Para Powerlifting Championships in Dubai. It also set a new Paralympic record, surpassing his previous mark of 228kg at the Tokyo 2020 Games.

Meanwhile, national and Sarawak powerlifting coach Jamil Adam said that Bryan is one of the potential lifters capable of qualifying for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics (LA28).

“We want to push him for LA28, but still a long way to go. He needs to perform in the World Championships and ASEAN Para Games, among others. We want to make sure we do the best we can to bring him to the highest level,” he said. 

Sarawak Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the state intends to retain its status as the powerhouse of Malaysian powerlifting. 

“Coach (Jamil) has identified the talent. Next, we will have development programmes for the athletes to produce more powerlifters like Bonnie,” she said after presenting the medals to the winners.

-- BERNAMA