Bonnie Bunyau Gustin
KUALA LUMPUR (June 22): National para athlete Bonnie Bunyau Gustin produced a spectacular show of strength to break the world record for the men’s over-72kg category at the 11th Fazza Dubai 2021 Para Powerlifting World Cup in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) today.
Bonnie blew his rivals away by lifting 230 kilogrammes (kg). Silver medallist Peng Hu of China could only lift 214kg while bronze medallist Nnamdi Innocent of Nigeria could only manage 213kg.
Bonnie’s feat erased the previous mark of 229kg set by Iran’s Roohallah Rostami at the 2018 Jakarta Asian Para Games in Indonesia.
This is Bonnie’s second straight win, having delivered the gold medal in the same category at the World Para Powerlifting World Cup in Bangkok on May 7.
In Bangkok, the 22-year-old Kuching-born Bonnie won gold with a lift of 226kg while 2012 London Paralympic winner Nader Moradi (204kg) of Iran took silver while Alexandr Daskov (140kg) of Kazakhstan finished third.
Another national para athlete, Jong Yee Khie is scheduled to compete in the men’s over-107kg category later tonight.
Meanwhile, Bonnie’s amazing feat caught the attention of Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, who tweeted his congratulations.
“Amazing! Gold and a new world record!
“Congratulations Bonnie Gustin on this proud achievement. This is the power of our athletes. The power of Malaysian athletes!” he tweeted. — Bernama