Proud moment: Powerlifter Bonnie Bunyau Gustin posing with his gold medal after the Para Powerlifting World Cup in Dubai.
PETALING JAYA: Dubai continues to be a happy hunting ground for Malaysia’s para powerlifting champion Bonnie Bunyau Gustin.
The Tokyo Paralympic champion once again brought honour to Malaysia on the international stage by clinching the men’s 72kg title at the World Cup in the United Arab Emirates city on Friday.
Bonnie secured the gold medal with a best lift of 218kg in his third attempt.
The 24-year-old successfully lifted 210kg and followed up with 216kg on his second attempt.
Britain’s Mark Swan claimed silver with 213kg in the field of 11 participants while Hu Peng, a two-time Paralympic medallist from China, lifted 211kg to secure the bronze.
It is the third World Cup gold medal for Bonnie after winning it in two previous editions in 2021, held in Dubai and Bangkok.
It was also in Dubai where Bonnie set a new world record lift of 231kg in the World Championship en route to a successful defence of his men’s 72kg category title.
The Sarawak-born was happy to stamp his dominance and relive his happy memories in the city.
“I have broken the world record in Dubai twice. I like to compete here – it brings me great results,” said Bonnie.
“I look forward to improving my lift in every tournament and that helps me to fulfil my dream,” said Bonnie, whose main target is to defend his Paralympic title in Paris later this year. Bonnie’s main focus is to qualify first but barring any serious injury, that should not be a problem after his impressive start to the season.
Only the top eight ranked powerlifters at the end of June will make the cut in each medal event at the Paris Paralympics.
Para athletes are also required to compete in two of the six World Para Powerlifting sanctioned competitions (World Cups) held between February and June 2024.
