Kapit para swimmer Donny Jaranding secures gold for Sarawak

KUCHING: Donny Jaranding’s transition from athletics to swimming has been nothing short of spectacular, proving that versatility is key as he clinched a medal for Sarawak.

Donny’s impressive shift from the track to the pool showcases not only his talent but also his determination to make waves in a new arena.

Donny, 44, from Kapit, won a gold medal for Sarawak in Para (Sukma) Malaysia Games in the para swimming men’s 100m freestyle S13 event.

Previously, he was a para athletics athlete competing in the 100m, 200m sprints, long jump, and triple jump from 1998 to 2016.

He transitioned to swimming due to his visual impairment classification in 2017 and has since continued to excel in the Sarawak para swimming team.

He told the media that this event would be his last due to age limits.

“I started in 1998 and continued until 2016 in athletics. Because I love this sport.

  “I transitioned to swimming. I began competing in swimming in 2018, and this is my final event,” he said.

Donny was also surprised that his two brothers, Stanley Jaranding, 40, and Julius Jaranding, 38, also won medals in the 100m freestyle men’s S12 event.

He hopes they perform their best for Sarawak and expressed gratitude to his family and coaches for their support and guidance throughout his career.