IT was the perfect Malaysia Games (Sukma) ending for Jonah Chang Rigan – with a gold in an event he does “for fun”.
The affable athlete confirmed his status as the first Sarawakian to win gold in all throwing events by winning the hammer throw with a majestic performances, adding a third gold after his victory in the shot putt and discus throw.
Jonah bagged the hammer throw gold with a distance of 54.56m at the Sarawak Stadium in Petra Jaya, leaving silver medallist Rizad Azri Che Radzi of Perlis’ (48.70m) and bronze winner Sabah’s Nabil Faiz Ayub (46.50m) well behind.
Jonah said he takes part in the discus and hammer throw “just for fun.”
“The other two events are for fun. I just want to have a change in my training. I do not want to get burned out by just shot putting. To me, it is like a warm-up.
“But it is possible for me to go far in the hammer throw. I heard (national record holder) Jackie (Wong) might be competing in his last SEA Games next year. I hope to be part of the hammer throw group to take over.
Jonah had been the favourite to win the hammer even before the Games started but he had downplayed his chances, saying the challenge was going to be tough.
“Sometimes, I do not want to boast because anything can happen during competition day. You have to stay humble yourself,” he said.
After the victory, though, he was buoyant, smiling and joking with the other athletes
“Now, I can say, three golds and history. I am so happy to have won all the events. I was actually nervous about the hammer throw because Perlis (Rizad) could beat me but he had an injury.”
His throw in Sukma is also his personal best, breaking his previous record of 53.54m, which he recorded in the Terengganu Open last month.
Asked about his training, Jonah said: “I only spoke to (national hammer thrower) Sadat (Marzuqi Ajisan). He wants a teammate because he is training alone, so I will partner him at the National Sports Council soon.”
