Earlier this month, local powerlifter Bonnie Bunyau Gustin shocked the world at the Paris Paralympics when he not only defended his gold medal but also broke a world record as well.
Following his historic win, the 25-year-old para-athlete was recently given a huge sum of money as an incentive and a form of recognition for his achievement.
Bonnie Bunyau awarded RM500,000 by S’wak govt
As reported by Sinar Harian, Bonnie was awarded RM500,000 in incentives by the Sarawak state government for clinching his second consecutive gold medal and smashing the world record.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Malaysia Para Games (Para Sukma), Sarawak premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Bonnie had brought glory to both Malaysia and Sarawak with his achievement.
Bonnie is a role model we should follow. I congratulate him for breaking the world record and we hope this will inspire young Para Sukma athletes to train harder and achieve success in the future.
“Sarawak will continue to train para-athletes with the potential to represent the country at the international level to contribute to the development of national sports.
“I’m confident that the athletes will strive not only for victory but also build their self-confidence in facing life’s challenges. I’m also certain that they can bring great success,” he said.
At the Paris Paralympics, Bonnie lifted a total of 232kg in the Men’s 72kg paralympic powerlifting category, breaking the previous 228kg record that he set at the Tokyo Paralympics in 2020.
It also broke the 231kg world record he set at the 2023 Para Powerlifting World Championships in Dubai.
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