Jing Xuan won’t throw in the towel yet

Sarawak’s Ng Jing Xuan posing with gold medal for the women’s Javelin Throw category at the SUKMA 2022 at Bukit Jalil. - FAIHAN GHANI/The Star

JAVELIN thrower Ng Jing Xuan of Sarawak has proven that it is never too late to start all over again.

Her determination in starting from scratch bore fruit as she improved her personal best from 40.96m to 43.45m in her first attempt en route to winning a gold in the women’s javelin final at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday.

And she did it in style by beating national athlete J. Pavithraa Devi of Penang, who came in second with a throw of 43.42m. Farisha Athirah Wai of Sarawak finished third with 39.93m.

Jing Xuan took a two-year break from training to focus on her studies and she proved that she made the right decision as she scored straight A’s in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examinations.

“I feel happy to win the gold medal and break my personal best,” said the 18-year-old Jing Xuan.

“When I was 15, I couldn’t decide between studies and sports, but the Movement Control Order (MCO) made it easier for me to choose education. I felt like a beginner when I started proper training in April as I had to start from zero again.”

Jing Xuan is now hoping that her gold in Sukma will earn her a place in the national team.

“I hope it will earn me a national call-up. If I am (called up), I will definitely be ready,” said the Form Six student.

Jing Xuan will now gear up for the upcoming Malaysian Schools Sports Council (MSSM) next week.