Alfie and Wilfred find new inspiration for their students
SIBU: Schoolteachers Al f ie Khan Abdul Aziz Khan and Wilfred Harding gave inspired performances at the inaugural Mr Kenyalang bodybuilding championships here on Sunday.
27- year- old A l fie became emotional when he found out he had won the Physique Above 170cm title.
“I thought I placed first runnerup. It was only when I saw the trophy that it struck me that I actually won. The feeling was so overwhelming that I broke down in tears,” he told The Borneo Post.
“It’s a sweet achievement after being in this sport since 2010,” he related.
The 27-year- old, who was not a ‘ beefy dude’ before he took up bodybuilding, shared, “I was a skinny youth but through persistence and hard work over the years.
“As a teacher, I always highlight this story to my pupils because I want them to work hard and be willing to sacrifice towards realising their dreams. If I could do it, so could they,” he added after carrying off the champion’s trophy and RM2,000 in cash prizes ahead of Mohd Alrzrin Abdul Ghani from Miri and Muhamad Azri Nazaruddin from Kuching who won RM1,000 and RM700 respectively.
Meanwhile, Wilfred topped the Bodybuilding Under-70kg category, earning the RM2,000 cash prize.
The 39-year-old teacher at SMK Serian beat out Densi Runya from Kuching, Sibu’s Anthony Tebie Rapheal, Miri’s Azrie Asmat Sefri and Tiong Cheong Soon also from Sibu.
Like Alfie, Wilfred said he always seek to motivate his students to aim higher.
“I started from nothing — everybody does. What’s more important is your direction,” he explained.
Wilfred, who has taught since 2007, said he must thank his principal and school colleagues for being “very supportive.”
In other categories, Mohd Faizal Mat Rashid of Kuching won the Physique Under-170cm event while reigning Mr Sarawak Maskabi Kabar lifted the Bodybuilding Above-70kg title.
Mr Kenyalang 2017 was hosted by Sibu Division Bodybuilding and Weightlifting Association (SDBWA) in partnership with Sarawak Bodybuilding Association (SBBA). Borneo Bodybuilding Supplements ( BBS) and Moma Water were the main sponsors.