Tall order for Gillian Majulah Sukan Untuk Negara.
Matching Nerosha’s six-gold achievement is no easy feat
SARAWAK bowler Gillian Lim (pic) is unfaazed by the weight of eexpectations of having toto fill in the void left by former teammate Nerosha Keligit.
Nerosha, who created history as the first bowler to sweep six gold medals when Sarawak hosted the last Sukma in Kuching two years ago, is overaged for this edition.
And the onus is now on the 19-year-old Gillian to lead the Land of the Hornbills to glory when the bowling competition gets under way at the Ampang Bowl in Ipoh on Friday.
Gillian admitted she’s feeling the pressure but is ready to turn it into motivation.
“What Nerosha achieved two years ago was simply amazing. I’m not sure if it’s ever going to be repeated,” said Gillian.
“Her feat inspires me. I would like to try and win as many gold medals as possible for Sarawak. I will try to get anywhere near to her record, if not match it.
“Yes, I do feel the pressure but I’m not alone. We have got a strong squad, supported by calibre coaches.”
In her debut in Kuching, Gillian won the team gold before adding a silver in the Masters behind Nerosha.
Gillian can’t wait to don the Sarawak shirt again after missing out on the Inter- state Championships in July.
She could not take part as she was undergoing national team training for the World Youth Championships in the United States in August. She made a solid debut by helping Malaysia to clinch bronze in the girls’ team event.
“I’m glad to be back playing for the state. Although I have joined the national youth team, the state team will always have a special place in my heart,” said Gillian.
“I’m a much better bowler since joining the national centralised training in April, but I wouldn’t be who I am today if not for the Sarawak state bowling setup.
“Coach Jackson (Ting) has given me a very good foundation before I left for the national youth team.”