Anderson makes parents proud

SWIMMER Anderson Jamba attributed his double gold feat at the Kuala Lumpur Asean Para Games yesterday to the unwavering support from his family.

Anderson was the standout swimmer for Malaysia at the National Aquatics Centre in Bukit Jalil as he romped to the 150m individual medley SM4 gold in a games record time of three minutes and 22.21 seconds.

His time erased the former mark of 3:49.01s set by Malaysian Wong Chee Kin in Manila 12 years ago.

Anderson took to the pool again and won the 50m backstroke gold in 52.06s.

He said his father, Jamba Dana, and mother, Entin Jerimin, both paddy farmers from Sri Aman, Sarawak wanted to come to Kuala Lumpur to cheer for him but they could not afford to do so.

“Although they are not here, every morning they call me and encourage me to do my best. They always pray for me,” said Anderson, who has been paralysed in both legs since he was 14 due to high fever.

“After I won the 150m IM, I felt more confident and managed to win a second gold. I am very happy.”

His two gold and one silver at Para KL2017 made up for his failure to win any medal at the 2013 Myanmar and 2015 Singapore games.

Anderson revealed that teammate Fraidden Dawan, who won the 50m backstroke S10, introduced him to the sport in 2004.

“We met at the Kuching Rehabilitation Centre in 2004 and he taught me how to swim. It is a coincidence that both of us were able to win medals this time.” Jumiati Rosly