DUSUN THROUGH AND THROUGH
She answers English questions in Dusun
AN ultra marathoner from Kota Belud awed many people when she spoke in her mother tongue in an interview at a recent international event in Thailand.
In the 54-second viral video, Jassica Lintanga, 36, also known as Jess Boubie, was asked five questions by an Asia Trail Master Championship interviewer in English, but the runner replied in Dusun.
“I have been participating in ultra marathons for the past four years and I am more comfortable using my mother tongue as my trademark is being a ‘native’ runner.
“The interviewer is used to my style. After the interview, I translated my replies.”
Jess, a mother of three, said she hoped more people would learn about Sabah through her running journey.
In some races, she wears the Dusun Tobilung traditional costume, paired with colourful accessories, to promote Sabahan culture.
Besides running, Jess also sells handmade copper bracelets to other runners.
Her teammate, Milton Amat, also spoke to the interviewer in Dusun.
Amat participated in the two-day 103km trail run in Phanang island in southern Thailand.
Jess finished the run in under 28 hours, securing sixth place in the women’s category.
“I am participating to collect points for the next three events in Thailand this year. This year, I am focusing on races in Thailand and Malaysia.”