APG powerlifting competition a family affair for Gustins
KUALA LUMPUR: When it comes to the powerlifting competition in the Asean Para Games (APG), it becomes a family affair for the Gustins.
Father Gustin Jenang, a polio victim since the age of 10, and his two sons Bonnie Bunyan, 18 and Bryan Junency, 20 are also competiting in powerlifting events at the 9th APG.
Gustin bagged his first APG bronze medal from the men’s 59kg category after lifting 120kg at the Malaysian International Trade and Exhibition Centre ( Mitec), yesterday but his former ‘ Mat Rempit’ son Bonnie Bunyan, 18, missed the bronze medal in the men’s 65kg by 2kg to Agustin Podes Kitan of the Philippines, who lifted 158kg.
Gustin’s elder son, Bryan Junency, 20, would be making his debut in the men’s 72kg today, before joining Bonnie at the 2017 Junior World Para Powerlifting Championships in Mexico City on Sept 29.
After starting with swimming and athletics, Gustin got his call in powerlifting to represent the country during the 2009 APG.
“Initially I was not a bodybuilder but I had a body that was cut out for powerlifting because my nature of job also requires me to carry heavy equipment.
“Now though I am 50, I have no intention of calling it a day. In fact I am looking forward to competing in the Philippines edition in 2019,” he told reporters after the prize presentation ceremony.
Gustin, a wiring sub- contractor from Serian, Sarawak, believes his two sons have the capability to bring more glory to the country through powerlifting.
“As a father I was not happy to see my son ( Bonnie) become a mat rempit, I therefore encouraged him to follow me for training. He realised that involving in sports was better than becoming a mat rempit,” he said.
Bonnie who started involving in powerlifting since the 2013 Kuala Lumpur Paralympiad wants to use his valuable experience from competing in the APG to have a
Now, though I am 50, I have no intention of calling it a day. In fact I am looking forward to competing in the Philippines edition in 2019. Gustin Jenang, national paralifters
better outing at Mexico City.
“I am disappointed for not winning a medal but I will work harder before going to Mexico City. I will try to lift in the region of 141kg before heading to Mexico City because I had lifted 141kg to set a record in Dubai before,” he said.
In the men’s 59kg, Thailand’s Choochat Sukjarern ( 162kg) bagged the gold, while the silver went to Nguyen Van Phuc (160kg) of Vietnam.
In the men’s 65kg, another Thai representative, Narong Kasanun bagged the gold by equalling the Games record of 171kg, while record holder Nguyen Thanh Xuan of Vietnam settled for second place after managing 170kg. — Bernama