Double joy for Eddy as he finishes third and sets Asian record


Merdeka Day gift: Eddy Bernard waving the Jalur Gemilang after winning bronze in the men’s T44 100m race at the Stade de France. — Bernama

PETALING JAYA: Sprinter Eddy Bernard was least expected to win a medal in the Paralympics T44 100m race based on his season’s best result at the Stade de France.

But Eddy, who was born with a small right leg and a disjointed finger, was having the last laugh on Sunday.

The 23-year-old did not only become Malaysia’s first athlete to win a medal in Paris but his time of 11.58s that led to a bronze was also an Asian record.

He erased the old mark of 11.75 set by Sri Lanka’s Indika Gamage.

Eddy’s previous best was only 11.77s, which he had timed at the World Championships in Kobe, Japan.

South Africa’s Mpumelelo Mhlongo took gold with a time of 11.12s, while Cuba’s Luis Vives Suares won silver with 11.20s.

Even Eddy was surprised, after all, he was only ranked fifth out of nine competitors based on the fastest time set this year.

The boy from Beluran, Sabah, thanked his coach and former international Hamberi Mahat for giving him a simple instruction – do not overthink!

“Coach Hamberi’s words are simple but powerful. Before the final, my coach told me to just think about myself, and not what’s around me. I just went ahead and blazed past everything.

“It worked like magic, I’m grateful for his words. Now, I’m finally a Paralympic medallist. It is a great feeling.”

Eddy, who is a big fan of Canadian sprinter Andre de Grasse, was honoured to win the medal just a day after Malaysia celebrated Merdeka Day.

“This is my gift to Malaysia and everyone back home,” he said.

The bronze medal finish has whetted Eddy’s appetite to go for gold at the next Paralympics in Los Angeles. He will be 27 then, which is considered a peak age for sprinters.

“There are many who are better physically but I don’t focus on them. I know I can do it if I do not look at my disabilities too. I always make it a point to stay positive,” said Eddy, who is the youngest of six siblings.

“But sometimes, just like anyone else, I tend to feel low and doubt whether I can reach greater heights. Fortunately, I’ve also found ways to ignore those thoughts.”

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Paralympics , Athletics , Malaysia , Eddy Bernard

   

Next In Athletics

Athletics-Tomashova's silver medal in 'dirtiest' Olympic race annulled
Zaidatul and Fakhrul deservingly named best athletes in Super Series
Veteran Zaidatul shows she’s still the one to chase after clean sweep in Super Series
Fakhrul has chance to end year as undisputed king of hurdles in Sarawak
Athletics-Maunsell, Paulson win Antarctica leg of Great World Race
Athletics-"We all can do it," says 88-year-old runner after completing 12th marathon
Sizzling Law and Natalie win Sekinchan Ultra races
Athletics-India's Chopra brings on three-time Olympic champion Zelezny as coach
Athletics-New York City sets world record for largest marathon, organisers say
Lorenzo and Lide reign supreme in Kailas Penang Skyrace

Others Also Read