Powerlifter’s gamble to save his best lift for last backfired due to technicality

Not his day: (from left) Roland Ezuruike, Mark Swan and Bonnie Bunyau Gustin pose with their medals during the prize ceremony. Below: Bonnie looks dejected. – AP/Bernama

PETALING JAYA: The glum look on his face said it all for para powerlifter Bonnie Bunyau Gustin as he had to accept defeat on the Commonwealth Games stage for the first time.

The two-time Paralympic champion settled for the bronze medal in the men’s lightweight (up to 72kg) category in Glasgow on Friday after lifting 220kg for 153.5 points.

England’s Mark Swan, the man he defeated in the last edition in Birmingham four years ago, turned the tables this time to claim the gold with a lift of 222kg for 153.9 points.

Silver went to 2016 Paralympic champion Roland Ezuruike of Nigeria, who lifted 185kg for 153.9 points.

The bronze though is still the first medal for Malaysia contingent.

Bonnie explained that he took a gamble by attempting 230kg on his final lift in a bid to move into first place, but it was ruled invalid after the referee gave the “rack” command – the signal for the lifter to return the barbell to the rack, marking the end of the attempt.

“My strategy was to go for 230kg on my final lift and improve my position to first place,” said Bonnie.

“I hadn’t fully returned the barbell to the rack when the referee gave the rack command.”

Bonnie should have returned the barbell but he was slow to react, hence the referee ruling it invalid.

“But it’s okay. Maybe it just wasn’t my day. I have to accept the outcome because I know there are still many opportunities ahead,” said Bonnie, who holds the world record of 232kg.

The Sarawakian apologised to Malaysia for not being able to fulfil the gold medal expectations.

“I came here to defend the gold but I missed it this time.

“I knew I was facing strong competition from the experienced Ezuruike and Swan, who have been improving steadily in recent times.

“I’m sorry for this. I will train harder after this to prepare for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in October,” added Bonnie, who is also the defending champion in his weight category for the Asian Para Games.