Victorious: Powerlifter Bonnie Bunyau Gustin waving to the crowd after winning gold in the men’s 72kg final at the Paralympics. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: Powerlifter Bonnie Bunyau Gustin has achieved his dream to set the world record on the Paralympic stage but he does not plan to rest on his laurels.
On Friday, the 25-year-old put up an incredible show of strength, grit and technique to lift a weight more than three times his body weight.
Bonnie signed off with a new world record of 232kg in the men’s 72kg category at the Porte de La Chapelle Arena in Paris and later celebrated his second consecutive Paralympic gold by raising his fist, waving to the fans and taking a bow.
Bonnie now plans to return to his hometown in Serian, Sarawak but won’t take a long break.
“I have not seen my family for some time because of the Paralympic preparation, so I will take a short break. But I will not rest for a long time because I have the World Powerlifting Championships in Egypt next year.
“I want to be at my best form going into the world championships so that I can maintain my good record.
“Breaking the world record is not a priority but I want to make sure I continue to be on top,” said Bonnie, who has yet to lose since he moved up to the men’s 72kg category three years ago.
Bonnie, who left school at 15 to develop further his powerlifting skills, has yet to lose at the world championships stage.
He won gold in the men’s 65kg in the 2019 edition of the world meet in Astana, Kazakhstan before making his mark with victories in 2021 (Tbilisi) and 2023 (Dubai).
Bonnie added he will also need time to do rehabilitation on his injured left shoulder, which has become swollen due to the exertions.
“My left shoulder was already giving me problem when we were doing light training in the last few days before the competition.
“But I did not want to let down everybody who were supporting and praying for me. I just keep telling myself to get stronger and stronger, and to go for the gold medal.
“I had to challenge myself mentally,” added, Bonnie, who is now one of only three Malaysian athletes who have won gold twice at the Paralympics.
The other two-time Paralympic champion are shuttler Cheah Liek Hou and para long jumper Abdul Latif Romly.
