KOTA KINABALU: When Eidelweiss Franzel Fancey Sami was offered to represent Sarawak for the Kumite category (karate) in the Malaysia Games (Sukma), coming back with the gold medal was the last thing on this Sabahan's mind.
It is because having come second in another Karate category at the last Sabah Sports Games (Saga), the 18-year-old knew it was going to be a tough fight, more so as she was competing in another category.
“But I seized the opportunity because for Sabah, I know I am not the first choice for Sukma. So when there is a second chance given to me, I must make the best of it,” she said.
Fondly known as Dell among her parents and coaches, she said she wanted to prove that she too could deliver.
She was offered to go for the heavier Kumite (sparring) category at +68kg and fully train in Miri, Sarawak.
“Adjusting my weight was a smooth process, and I’m incredibly grateful for the guidance of coach Jarvis Julian and the Sarawak Sports Council. The three months of intensive training here in Miri have significantly sharpened my skills and improved my performance,” she said.
Eidelweiss fought against contenders from various states including the Sabah team and finally emerged the winner after her battle against Terengganu’s Mirza Amirah.
She dedicated her victory to her family, with a special recognition to her brother Franz Evans - one of her biggest inspirations.
She said they could have been in Sukma together because he actually won gold for Kumite in the Saga games but they were disappointed, sad and surprised when he was not selected.
Eidelweiss said the other coaches and decision makers must have their own reasoning behind this and decided not to dwell on the negative, but to find a positive in every situation, and would definitely represent either Sabah or Sarawak again if given the chance in the next Sukma.
She thanked Sarawak for the opportunity, and said both Sabah and Sarawak were part of the same family - Borneo.
On questions why Franz was not selected, Shotokan Karate Association of Sabah (SKAS) president Sensei Simon Chia said he too raised this question but received no answer.
He said parents and coaches have invested significant time and effort into supporting, developing, and training these athletes for this moment and they want the best to represent Sabah — not just selections from a single association.
“As we all play the same sport, it is the responsibility and objective of the state association to ensure that the best athletes represent the state. Otherwise, this talent and potential for medals will go to waste,” he said.
Chia said the focus should be on what benefited the state, not on the interests of any association or individual agenda.
“As many have said, Sabah's loss is Sarawak's gain,” he said in referring to Dell’s achievement.
Dell’s mother Eleanor Xaviera Masuil looked at this as a blessing in disguise for her daughter, because with one door closed, another opened.
At first they were sad because both her daughter and son were not selected to represent Sabah in Karate, but were later delighted when Sarawak reached out to Dell.
“Of course, she’s very happy, and we as parents are very proud of her. Whichever team she represents, determination is the key to success. After all, Sarawak is considered ‘cousins’ by people from Sabah,” she said.
As of Aug 20, Sabah is ranked sixth in the Sukma medal table with 10 golds, 11 silver and 22 bronze medals bagged.
