PETALING JAYA: As Bonnie Bunyau Gustin was breaking new grounds for Malaysian para athletes at the Commonwealth Games, there was more cheer for the Gustin’s family albeit at the Asean Para Games in Solo which concluded yesterday.
Bonnie, 23, became Malaysia’s first para gold medallist in powerlifting on Thursday and in less than 24 hours, it was his elder brother Bryan Junency Gustin’s turn to strike gold in the same event on Friday.Not as established as his world-famous sibling, the 25-year-old Bryan had his moment to shine when he won gold in the men’s 80kg with 498kg. Tambi Sibarani of Indonesia was second (495kg) while Myanmar’s Min Zaw Win was third (110kg).
Bryan could not add a second gold in the best lift where he fell short by three kilograms (170kg) to allow Tambi to earn the gold with 173kg while Zaw Win was third again (110kg).
“I actually never thought I could win judging by how much more my opponents were able to lift, but I am satisfied,” said Bryan.
“I also had an extra ‘lift’ after Bonnie’s success.
“I did speak to him, congratulated him and he told me to do my best.”
Bryan’s success was one of Malaysia’s 12 golds won on the last day of competition.
Malaysia finished fourth in the medal standings with 36 golds, 20 silvers and 14 bronze medals while Indonesia were the overall champions with a massive 175-144-107 haul.
Malaysia sent 70 athletes and only set a 16-gold target and the overwhelming success of the contingent augurs well for next year’s Asian Para Games in Hangzhou next year.
Swimming was the biggest contributor with 18 golds while the others came from athletics (eight), badminton (three), powerlifting (three), archery (two) and one each from table tennis and wheelchair tennis.
At the Asian Para Games, Malaysia will be led by Paralympic champions Bonnie, long jumper (T20) Abdul Latiff Romly and shuttler Cheah Liek Hou (SU5) and 2016 Paralympics winner Ziyad Zolkefli (shot putt T20).
At the last Games in Jakarta four years ago, Malaysia picked up a haul of 17-26-25.