‘Woman of Steel’ bids farewell with a flourish

KUCHING: Top musclewoman Lilian Tan led Malaysia’s charge in the 10th World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships in Chiangmai, Thailand by securing two gold medals.

The Penangite won the Above55kg and Open (Age 30 and Above) categories on Friday during the women’s bodybuilding finals of the event hosted by the World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Federation (WBPF).

She now has a total of five world championship gold medals in her trophy cabinet.

“It’s a record because no one had ever brought home two gold medals in a world championship before. I was very pleased with the package that I brought on stage this year.

“It was by far my best conditioning ever – I trained hard for two years to make this drastic improvement,” Tan, 46, said in a WhatsApp chat yesterday.

The seasoned athlete, who is wife of Mr Asia 1999 Terry Gallyot, was also proud to have raised the bar so high for women’s bodybuilding.

“I was told by the judges and officials that I was in a whole different league with what I managed to achieve.”

Sadly, however, Tan said the Chiangmai outing would be her last.

“I am retiring. It’s been great to have been representing Malaysia since 2010,” she said.

Tan was among two Malaysian female bodybuilders competing in Chiangmai.

Meilaura Dora Jimmy bagged the bronze medal in Women’s Bodybuilding (55kg and Under) category.

It was the second WBPF World outing for the 38-year-old Sabahan.

“I placed among the top five in the last edition. It’s thrilling to have been able to contribute a medal to my country,” said Meilaura, who joined bodybuilding 13 years ago and made her competitive debut in 2014.

The Kadazan Lotud also expressed her hope that Tan’s achievement and hers would inspire more female bodybuilders in Sabah.

“We do have talents, but they’re still new. Still, there is a potential because they have started the ball rolling,” Meilaura added.

The WBPF World Championships 2018 concludes today.