LILIAN DOES MALAYSIA PROUD
Penang-born seals fourth world title in Chiang Mai
LILIAN Tan flexed her muscles to overcome other top bodybuilders for a fourth World Bodybuilding and Physical Fitness Championships title in Chiang Mai, Thailand on Friday.
The 45-year-old, who was crowned world champion in Bangkok (2012), Mumbai (2014) and Pattaya (2016), mesmerised the judges with her pose and near perfect muscled body to win the women’s 55kg category once again.
Lilian also became the first female bodybuilder in the world to win a second title in a world meet edition. The Penangborn achieved her second title in the 30 years and above category.
It was a fulfilling outing for the Penangborn as she almost withdrew from the competition due to budget issues.
She had to resort to crowdfunding to raise funds. The National Sports Council (NSC) had only provided a limited budget to the bodybuilder.
For the record, Lilian is the first Malaysian female bodybuilder to win a world title, achieved in Bangkok six years ago. Her win in Chiang Mai is a shinning example of grit and determination in overcoming all adversities, including funding, to achieve success.
“I was told by the officials here that I was in a different league and that I have raised the bar in female bodybuilding,” said Lilian in Chiang Mai.
“It is also a record as I am the first female bodybuilder to win two titles in a world meet edition.
“For the record, it was by far my best conditioning ever for a competition.”
Lilian, who married former Asian bodybuilding champion Terry Gallyot in April, also thanked former Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin and her fans for helping to promote her cause.