Debutant Ku Yee Aleng delivers gold for Sabah in Sukma high jump

KUCHING (Aug 19): Debutant Ku Yee Aleng gave Sabah a golden start in the 21st Malaysia Games (Sukma) athletics competition by winning the women’s High Jump event at the Sarawak Stadium on Monday.

The athlete registered 1.64m to top the final standing on countback with Penang’s silver medalist Melissa Choong En Xuan also clearing the same height.

Ku Yee, who set a new personal best, said she did not expect to win the gold.

“I was aiming for medal but it never crossed my mind that I will end up with the gold.

“The competition was tough especially against Melissa but my coach was very supportive and we communicated throughout the competition.

“He believes I have the ability to win, so I think why not,” she said when met after the medal presentation.

The 19-year-old from Kunak went on to dedicate the victory to her family especially her mother and siblings as well as those who have supported her.

The bronze went to Sarawak’s Sylvia Nawan Sa, who also won on countback against Sabah’s Nolaeska Kipolos with both finishing with identical height of 1.54m.

A total of nine gold medals were up for grab on the opening day of athletics yesterday.