Congratulatory messages pour in for Bonnie over success at Paris Paralympics

KUCHING (Sept 7): Congratulatory messages poured in for national powerlifter Bonnie Bunyau Gustin, who delivered the second gold medal for Malaysia at the Paris Paralympics on Friday.

Bonnie not only retained his title as the world’s best in the men’s up to 72kg category but also broke his own record of 231kg set at the 2023 World Para Powerlifting Championships in Dubai by lifting 232kg on his final attempt at the Porte de La Chapelle Arena.

Among those congratulating Bonnie was Deputy Premier Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian.

“Heartiest congratulations to Sarawak Olympian powerlifter Bonnie Bunyau Gustin for delivering Malaysia’s second gold medal at the Paris Paralympics in style with a new world record,” he said.

Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah when contacted said she had sent a congratulatory message to Bonnie through WhatsApp.

“I am very happy for him for achieving his target of beating his own previous record. I told him we are all very proud of his achievement — Anak Sarawak bringing glory to Sarawak and Malaysia.

“His achievement will be an inspiration and motivation for our para athletes to train hard, do well and beat their own records in the coming Para Sukma,” she said.

Malaysia Games (Sukma) XXI Sarawak and Para Sukma XXI Sarawak chief executive officer Datu Hii Chang Kee regarded Bonnie’s achievement as a proud moment for Sarawak.

“Congratulations to Bonnie Bunyau Gustin for winning the gold medal at the Paris Paralympic Games!

“The 25-year-old athlete from Sarawak lifted an incredible 232kg in the men’s under 72kg para powerlifting event, breaking his own world record set at the World Championships last August,” said the Deputy State Secretary (Operations) in a Facebook post.

“His remarkable achievement serves as an inspiration for all para athletes ahead of the upcoming Para Sukma which will be held in Kuching from Sept 22-28,” he added.

Para Sukma coordinator Matthew Chin, who is also para athletics head coach, said Bonnie met the expectations of all Sarawakians and Malaysians in the country’s quest for excellence in Paris.

“On Bonnie’s part, it is simply sheer discipline, determination, and dedication to the sport involved. An amazingly humble athlete who holds six world records. He is a legend,” said Chin.

Meanwhile, 37-year-old medical staff Leonora Lamban from Betong said she was proud of Bonnie’s latest achievements.

“So proud that he is from the Dayak community like me too. I personally hope he is awarded a Datukship for his latest achievement. I also hope that the government takes good care of him after he retires too because he has done a lot for the country,” she said.

Supplies vendor Luther Desion, 41, from Penrissen echoed Leonora’s sentiments.

“I am proud of Bonnie. He, a Sarawakian, has managed to bring glory to our nation. He is definitely our hero. I hope that he will win more honours in the future,” he said.