KUCHING: Malaysian Paralympian, Bonnie Bunyau Gustin received a hero’s welcome upon his return to Sarawak at the Kuching International Airport (KIA) today.

He touched down at 11.15 a.m. alongside his two coaches where they were greeted by family members and supporters.

Among those present were Sarawak Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWK), Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, KPWK Deputy Ministers, Datuk Rosey Yunus and Datuk Mohammad Razi Sitam, KPWK Permanent Secretary, Datu Felicia Tan Ya Hua, and Chief Executive Officer of the Sarawak State Sports Council, Awang Putrayusrie Awang Redzuan.

Bonnie, the second child in his family, dedicated the gold medal to them for their sacrifices throughout his journey to sucess.
“I travelled back and forth from Serian to the training centre with my father. This is my way of repaying them.

“This gold medal is for my family, knowing all the struggles we went through,” he said when met by reporters.

During the homecoming celebration, Dato Sri Fatimah expressed her pride in the Sarawak-born champion and hoped his success would inspire other para athletes ahead of the 21st Para Malaysia Games (Para SUKMA XXI) soon.

“We are bringing athletes of Para SUKMA, especially from para powerlifting, so that Bonnie’s success can inspire them.
"Previously, people are focused on disabilities, but now we see abilities beyond disabilities. This is what we want to achieve for other Sarawakian athletes where we want them to be champions,” she said.

Previously, according to a BERNAMA news report, Bonnie cemented his status as the world’s best after successfully defending his gold medal in the 2024 Paris Paralympic powerlifting event for the men’s up to 72 kilogrammes (kg) category.

He also broke his own world record of 231kg set at the 2023 World Para Powerlifting Championships in Dubai with a new record of 232kg on his final attempt at the Porte de La Chapelle Arena.

The 232kg lift also set a new Paralympic Games record for Bonnie, surpassing his previous mark of 228kg set at Tokyo 2020.
Bonnie’s gold medal helped Malaysia secure 42nd place overall with the nation earning two gold, two silver, and one bronze medal.

Meanwhile, he has been selected as the torchbearer for the opening ceremony of Para SUKMA XXI on September 22. -UKASnews