Weightlifter Mohd Farris Haikal Kamarul celebrating with deputy chef de mission Jivan Mohan after winning bronze.
CHONBURI: The pain was all worth it for young weightlifter Mohd Farris Haikal Kamarul in the end.
Farris was carrying a shoulder injury but yet managed to lift 335kg in the men’s above 94kg in the SEA Games to win bronze at the Chonburi Sports School Gymnasium on Thursday (Dec 17).
The 20-year-old finished behind Thailand’s Rungsuriya Yothapon, who lifted 365kg and Vietnam’s Dinh Thang Tran, who narrowly won the gold after lifting 366kg.
Farris was overjoyed after coming away with a medal in his debut Games.
"I had a shoulder injury coming into the Games but I didn’t want to give up,” said Farris.
"I had recovered about 70 percent and wanted to push hard to win a medal. I’m so happy and thankful that I did it.
"I feel satisfied with all my efforts to get here. I had to be disciplined and consistent and I’m glad that everything has paid off."
Farris, who hails from Pahang, took up weightlifting at the age of 13, thanks to encouragement from state coach Mohd Faizal Baharom.
"My state coach Faizal is one of the biggest reasons I am here today," said Farris.
"He encouraged me to pursue weightlifting when I was 13 and taught me a lot. He’s my idol. I’m thankful to him and also my family, who have always stood behind me."
Faizal is next aiming to qualify for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow next year.
Meanwhile, it was also joy for Siti Aqilah Farhana Draman, who won bronze in the women’s above 77kg.
Aqilah lifted 240kg to finish behind Vietnam’s Pha Si Ro (245kg) and Thailand’s Chaidee Duangaksorn (258kg).
RESULTS
Men’s above 94kg: 1. Dinh Thang Tran (Vie) 366kg; 2. Rungsuriya Yothapon (Tha) 365kg; 3. Mohd Farris Haikal Kamarul (Mas) 335kg.
Women’s above 77kg: 1. Thailand’s Chaidee Duangaksorn (Tha) 258kg; 2. Pha Si Ro (Vie) 245kg; 3. Siti Aqilah Farhana Draman (Mas) 77kg.
