S’wakian para athlete Donny Jaranding ends Para Sukma career due to age, eyes future as coach

KUCHING (Sept 26): Veteran Sarawak para athlete Donny Jaranding has marked the end of his journey in the Para Malaysia Games (Para Sukma) due to age restrictions.

However, he remains determined to contribute to the state’s sporting scene, with aspirations of becoming a coach if given the opportunity.

At 44, Donny has also expressed his readiness to participate in any sporting events that still allow him to compete, as long as it means continuing to contribute to Sarawak.

He experienced normal vision during his early years but began facing visual impairments at the age of nine.

He later attended a special needs school during his secondary education.

“I started participating in para sports after enrolling in the special school, around 1998.

“Initially, I only took part in athletics events, but I transitioned to swimming in 2018,” he said when met by reporters at the Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre here today.

Throughout his athletic career, Donny represented Malaysia in three major para sporting events, including two Para SEA Games and one Asian Para Games.

As for Para Sukma, Donny rsaid Para Sukma XXI would be his last due to the age limit.

On the final day of swimming events at Para Sukma XXI, Donny secured a gold medal in the Men’s 50m Freestyle S13 event, making it a meaningful conclusion to his Para Sukma career.

The gold medal held particular significance for Donny, as he dedicated the victory to his son, who turns nine tomorrow (Sept 27).

“I feel overjoyed, especially as this medal is a gift for my son, Nathaniel Even, who turns nine tomorrow,” he said.

Donny won a total of four gold medals at Para Sukma XXI, making a significant contribution to the Sarawak swimming squad.

He also expressed heartfelt gratitude to his wife, who has tirelessly supported him over the past two years by driving him to training sessions almost every day.

“My wife’s sacrifice means the world to me. She took me to training every day except Sundays.

“I also want to thank my coach, Mandu Nyungkan, for his guidance and support,” he said.

Donny’s impressive victories at Para Sukma XXI began on September 23, when he won gold in the Para Swimming 100m Freestyle S13 event.

On the same day, he also secured another gold medal in the 100m Backstroke S13 category.

Continuing his winning streak, Donny claimed another gold on September 24 in the 100m Breaststroke SB13 event.

Finally, today, Donny rounded off his Para Sukma campaign by taking home his fourth gold medal in the 50m Freestyle S13 event, capping off a remarkable performance at the games.

Donny’s two brothers, Julius, 38, and Stanley, 40, also contributed to Sarawak’s swimming success, with Julius earning four silver medals and Stanley bringing home four bronze medals.

Looking ahead, Donny hopes that his fellow para athletes will stay motivated and achieve their own gold medal targets, while also helping Sarawak reach its overall goals in the ongoing Para Sukma XXI.