Nicol David lauds Sarawak para powerlifter Bonnie as a true legend

KUCHING: Malaysia’s squash legend, Datuk Nicol Ann David, has praised Sarawak para powerlifter Bonnie Bunyau Gustin, calling him a true legend and a symbol of hard work and dedication.

She expressed her admiration for Bonnie after the latter set a new world record by lifting 232kg in the men’s below 72kg final at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, securing the second gold medal for Malaysia.

“I remember when I was still competing, we would cross paths in the gym and even after the toughest session you would still be there.

“You would train so hard, so long that I would finish and just admire your power because I still to this day don’t know how you did it,” she said in a Facebook post last night.

Nicol also said she believed that paralympians are the true legends of sport because they work three times as hard.

“You’re a testament to that and now you are a two time gold medal winner and you even broke the world record again.

“I can honestly say you’re a true legend and I have the most admiration for you. Thank you for showing Malaysia the value of hard work and big dreams,” she said.

Bonnie, born on June 3, 1999, previously won Malaysia’s first gold medal in powerlifting at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics.