Ballang – a tiger in name, spirit

KUCHING: The late Ballang Lasung, a four-time SEA Games javelin gold medallist, was remembered as a cheerful and humble man who never gave up hope even when suffering from the rare neurological disorder that caused his untimely death.

His daughter Sarah said that her father was diagnosed with multiple system atrophy in 2003.

“He took the news calmly, never complaining. Slowly he lost his ability to do simple things that we take for granted every day, but he remained cheerful and continued to be an inspiration to us.

“He inspired people to live better lives,” she said at the funeral service at the Kuching Evangelical Church here yesterday.

Ballang: In better times showing off the gold and silver medals he wonin the SEA Games.

Ballang died at the Sarawak General Hospital on Tuesday, leaving a wife and two children. He was 57.

Sarah recalls growing up, with her brother Brian, in the shadow of their sportsman father.

“Everywhere we went, we were known as Ballang Lasung’s children. We are proud to be associated with such a great man, even though expectations were high of us, especially from sports teachers,” she said.

Ballang’s younger sister, Dayang, said he had sacrificed his time, energy and finances to support her through her studies.

“He put my needs above his needs. In my final semester, I lost my calculator and wristwatch to a thief. When he found out, he sent me his last RM100. I got a new calculator and watch while my brother went hungry,” she said through tears.

Lawyer Baru Bian said his cousin, Ballang, remained steadfast and true to his faith and hope in God.

“In a state of physical helplessness, he could afford to smile and laugh,” he said.

He added that Ballang, which means “tiger” in Lun Bawang, lived up to his name as he showed the prowess of a tiger in sport, particularly in javelin.

“He also excelled in the shot put and discus. Later in life, he had two other sporting passions – tennis and golf.”

Ballang won gold medals in javelin at four consecutive SEA Games from 1977 to 1983 after winning silvers in 1973 and 1975.

He was laid to rest at the SIB cemetery at Siburan near here.