Bonnie Bunyau’s Heroic Return from Paris
KUCHING (Sept 14): The Sarawakian powerlifting sensation, Bonnie Bunyau Gustin, recently returned to a hero’s welcome at the Kuching International Airport (KIA) after securing a gold medal at the Paris Paralympics 2024. The 25-year-old, hailing from Kampung Baru Mawang in Serian, has made the nation and state of Sarawak proud by excelling on the global stage. However, his journey to the top is not one of individual success alone; it is a story of perseverance, sacrifice, and family support—especially from his father, Gustin Jenang.
A Dedication to His Father’s Sacrifices
In his heartfelt speech, Bonnie dedicated his Paralympic gold medal to his father, a former para powerlifter himself, who sacrificed much to help Bonnie achieve his dreams.
A Father’s Relentless Efforts
“Dad put in a lot of effort, repeatedly sent me from Serian to the Samarahan Rehabilitation Centre (PPS) for training,” Bonnie shared. He further explained that there were times when his father had to miss work just to ensure that Bonnie could attend his training sessions.
“For me, this gold medal is a reward for his kindness and endless support. I dedicate it to my family, who stood by me through all the hardships and struggles,” said Bonnie during the press conference following his return from Kuala Lumpur.
Gustin’s Pride as a Father
Standing proudly by Bonnie’s side at the airport, Gustin Jenang expressed his immense pride and gratitude. “As a father, of course I am proud and grateful for his success in bringing back the Paris Paralympics gold medal,” said Gustin.
He acknowledged the challenges his son faced to reach this point and praised Bonnie for overcoming them. “I hope that after this, he will achieve even more in the sport,” he added.
A Father Who Understands the Struggle
Gustin, who once competed as a para powerlifter for Sarawak, is no stranger to the physical and mental demands of the sport. He shared that he would never pressure Bonnie to continue competing or to retire, allowing him to make his own decisions. “As a father and also a former athlete, I understand the hardships and difficulties that Bonnie has gone through to reach this level,” he said.
Bonnie’s Journey: From Childhood Interest to Global Success
Bonnie’s powerlifting journey began when he was just 13 years old. His father often took him and his brother Brian to training sessions at Dewan Suarah Kuching and PPS Samarahan. It was during these trips that Bonnie first showed an interest in powerlifting.
“At 13, he started to become actively involved in the sport,” shared Gustin, reflecting on his son’s early passion for powerlifting. From there, the family’s commitment to Bonnie’s future as an athlete grew stronger. Gustin recalled how he would drive Bonnie to training in Kuching or Samarahan three or four times a week to help him hone his skills. “The sacrifice was worth it when Bonnie succeeded in making the country famous in para powerlifting,” he said.
Bonnie’s Future Plans: World Championships and the Los Angeles Paralympics
Looking ahead, Bonnie is not resting on his laurels. His next big goal is to prepare for the World Para Powerlifting Championships in Egypt next year. Beyond that, he has set his sights on the Los Angeles Paralympics in 2028, where he hopes to make Malaysia proud once again.
“I am aiming to go to the Los Angeles Paralympics,” said Bonnie, expressing his desire to see more Malaysian athletes excel on the international stage. He also shared his hopes of seeing new talents emerge in the sport, saying, “I would like to see other Malaysian athletes stand out at the international level besides me.”
A Bright Future for Sarawakian Athletes
Bonnie’s victory at the Paris Paralympics not only shines a spotlight on his incredible talent but also underscores the importance of family support and personal sacrifice in achieving greatness. His story is a testament to the dedication that Sarawakian athletes and their families often display in their pursuit of excellence.
As Bonnie continues his journey in powerlifting, Sarawak, and Malaysia as a whole, eagerly await more milestones from this incredible athlete.