Eddy admits he’s a nervous debutant at 16
YOUNGSTER Eddy Bernard hopes to make a memorable debut at the Kuala Lumpur Asean Para Games.
The 16-year-old Sabahan will feature in the men’s T37 ( cerebral palsy) in the 100m and long jump.
Eddy was selected for the Games based on his performances in the East Malaysia Para Athletics Championships in Kuching in August last year.
He did well to win the 100m gold in 12.65 seconds and clearing 5.71m to bag a silver in the long jump.
The Form Four student of SMK Beluran in Sandakan, is, however, overawed to be making his debut in the Games.
“I am only 16. I feel a bit nervous as I have never competed in an international competition,” said the ever smiling Eddy.
“Although it’s my first international outing, I want to prove myself by winning at least a medal.
“I want to record my personal best in the 100m and the long jump.
“I want to follow in the footsteps of sprinter Mohd Ridzuan Mohd Puzi (who won the gold in the 100m at the Rio Paralympics with a time of 12.02 in the T36 (cerebral palsy) in September last year),” said Eddy, who is trained by coaches Norhafiszam Ahmad Narowi and Tony Sawan.
Eddy will feature in the 100m today and the long jump tomorrow.
Tony believes Eddy has a bright future in athletics.
“Eddy is a dedicated athlete. He never misses training.
“He learns things fast and is also able to withstand tough training.
“Although Eddy lacks international exposure, I am optimistic that he will be able to win a medal in the 100m because his time of 12.65 is better than the gold winning time of 12.70 set by Vietnam’s Le Van Manh in Singapore two years ago,” said the 57-yearold Tony.