ONE-HANDED JERICHO STRIKES GOLD IN LAND OF HORNBILLS

KUCHING, Sept 26 (Bernama) -- The sport of javelin has revived the hopes of Sabah athlete Jericho Hedryld Harry who gave up his ambition to become an engineer after losing a hand, but he successfully reaped a golden harvest at the 2024 Malaysia Para Games (Para SUKMA XXI) today.

The 23-year-old Sabahan described himself as the happiest person in the Land of Hornbills ('Bumi Kenyalang') today after successfully fulfilling his dream of a gold medal and breaking the national record in the F46 (physical disability) category with a throw of 36.83 metres (m), to erase the record set by Johor athlete Mohd Iskandar Zainudin in the 2010 edition (35.26m).

The silver went to Selangor athlete Muhammad Haris Mohd Hashim (32.75m) and bronze to Muhamad Zahir Zulkefli of Johor (30.61m).

Jericho, who had previously dreamed of becoming an engineer in the oil and gas field, was shattered when he lost his left hand to a motorcycle accident four years ago, which made him ineligible for work in the field because of his physical deficiency.

However, the athlete who was born in Kota Kinabalu, bounced back from sheer disappointment and took up javelin to reach new heights on the suggestion by his aunt in 2022.

"My dire situation is like this, it's  tough to get a job, let alone in the oil and gas field where they don't accept people with one hand so when I could not achieve my dream of becoming an engineer, I indulged in sports to pursue an interest within my capability.

"At first I was disillusioned with the change from normal to disabled (OKU) but when I became an athlete I started to be okay, I hope to be a Paralympic athlete one day, but my throwing hasn't reached that level yet, I need to improve my skills," he told Bernama at the Sarawak Stadium here today.

Meanwhile, the men's shotput F41 (physical disability) podium was dominated by the hosts through Richard Bada who heaved a throw of 7.73m for the gold medal.

The silver went to Teckman Mary (6.92m) with Abdullah Syawal Majarol (5.79m) settling for bronze.

Richard said the medals and cash prizes he will receive are to go towards home repairs and his family's groceries for sustenance.

"I want to help the family repair the house in the village in Serian, dine out and meet their needs," he said.

-- BERNAMA