Coach Manshahar worries over Jackie’s slow recovery

National athletics chief coach Mohd Manshahar Abdul Jalil has been left in the dark over Covid-19-infected hammer thrower Jackie Wong Siew Cheer (pic).

Manshahar, who is concerned over Jackie’s slow recovery, said he could not get in touch with the doctor to verify the athlete’s present condition.

The 27-year-old athlete who holds the national hammer throw record of 68.22m, was infected with the virus from his dad Wong Ling Biu in Sarikei, is still hospitalised at the Sibu General Hospital in Sarawak since March 16.

Last week Jackie had his ninth test and it was positive and is expected to stay longer at the hospital. Only the third test on March 30 was negative.

“I am really worried about him as it has been more two months since he was hospitalised. I tried calling the doctor to check on his condition but could not get in touch,” said Manshahar.

“I called Jackie today (yesterday) and he told me that his ninth test came back positive last week. He is alo baffled as to why his test is positive although he is in good health.

“Jackie is also worried over his long recovery period. He is a super fit athlete and he spent his time in his room doing his daily workouts given to him by coach Gu Yuan (of China).

“Coach Gu Yuan is also concerned over his slow recovery. Jackie watches movies and play games from his handphone to stay in high spirits. Jackie’s dad is still recovering in hospital.

“Jackie has to undergo two more tests in the next few weeks and both the tests must be negative before he can be discharged from hospital,” said Manshahar.