KUCHING: A 10-year-old boy stole the limelight at Dewan Panglima Rentap in Betong when he hoisted the barbells in a weightlifting competition.
Macxqlynson Ayden Paul Backlin was the youngest athlete participating in the Sarawak Games (Suksar), which is taking place in Betong, Sri Aman and Lubok Antu.
He competed in the snatch and clean-and-jerk competitions in the men’s 71kg category against older and more experienced athletes.
Although he did not win a medal, the youngster from Sarikei gained admiration for his poise and fearless attitude.
“I’m a little disappointed but I’m still happy because I tried my best,” Macxqlynson said, adding that competing at this level was a valuable experience.
His coach Wyncles Kiring Tom said Macxqlynson trains three times a week at the weightlifting centre in Sarikei.
“Since he’s only 10, we’re training him slowly in stages. He can lift up to 30kg in the snatch and 45kg in clean-and-jerk.
“Now he’s focusing more on the clean-and-jerk which he enjoys,” he said.
Wyncles said Macxqlynson was disciplined in training despite his young age, adding that it was too early to predict his potential.
“He listens to instructions and learns well. Considering his discipline and what he can do now, he is one of our hopes for the future.
“But we will only see his true potential in two to three years’ time,” he said.
Suksar is a biennial event organised by the Sarawak Sports Corporation and Sarawak Sports Council as a platform for talent scouting and athlete development.
It is also part of the state’s preparations for the upcoming Malaysia Games in Selangor this August.
A total of 773 athletes representing Sarawak’s northern, central, western and southern zones are taking part in Suksar with 105 gold medals up for grabs across 11 sports.
Besides weightlifting, the other sports are basketball, boxing, cycling, karate, netball, petanque, sepak takraw, softball, taekwondo and table tennis.
