Abrienda Chan’s Journey to the IPF World Classic & Equipped Sub-Junior & Junior Championship
Abrienda Chan, a powerlifting talent from Sarawak, recently represented Malaysia on the world stage at the IPF World Classic & Equipped Sub-Junior & Junior Championship. Despite her impressive performance, her journey was fraught with financial struggles, personal challenges, and immense determination. This inspiring story highlights her achievements, her gratitude towards her coaches, and the relentless spirit that led her to this global stage.
A Powerlifting Dream Realized
The IPF World Championship is a dream for many young athletes, but for Abrienda, it came at a significant cost. She revealed that her journey to this prestigious competition in powerlifting had emptied her savings that she had diligently set aside since she was young. Despite the financial burdens, Abrienda’s love for the sport and her unwavering dedication to represent Sarawak and Malaysia kept her pushing forward.
Credit to the Coaches: The Key Figures Behind the Scenes
Abrienda didn’t achieve this alone; she attributes her success to the unwavering support of her coaches, Coach Jeong Jihoon (jj_the_antman_59kg), Coach Peter, and Coach Opor. Abrienda expressed her heartfelt gratitude, stating, “It’s more than great to have a game day master and a world champ to handle me.” The trust and guidance provided by these coaches were instrumental in her preparation and performance at the championship.
- Coach Jeong Jihoon (jj_the_antman_59kg): Hailing from South Korea, Jeong Jihoon is an Asian 2022 Champion, World Open 2024 Squat Bronze Medalist, and founder of Team Ant, the top powerlifting coaching team in Korea. Abrienda has been working with him and his team since her first day as a competitive powerlifting athlete, and their partnership has now spanned a year and a half. Abrienda credits Jeong Jihoon as the biggest influence on her journey, saying, “Without him, I don’t think I could have made it this far, and I might not have even started as a powerlifting athlete at all.” For Abrienda, Jeong Jihoon is more than just a coach; he’s like family—sometimes a best friend, big brother, and even a father figure, guiding her both in the sport and in life.
- Coach Peter and Coach Opor: Coach Peter is the head coach of the Thailand national team and a coach of RTS (Reactive Training System), while Coach Opor serves as a coach of the Thailand national team and the President of the Thai Amateur Association of Powerlifting. Abrienda is deeply grateful to both of them for their critical support during the championship. As the only Malaysian athlete at the event with no official coach or support staff sent from her home country, Abrienda reached out to Coach Peter and Coach Opor herself. She recalls, “Coach Peter immediately said yes without hesitation, and Opor was equally supportive. Without them, I would have had to handle everything on my own, and things would have gone more wrong.” Their willingness to step in and provide guidance made a significant difference in her performance, and Abrienda is thankful for the care and sound decisions they made on her behalf.
Performance Highlights: Squat, Bench, and Deadlift
Abrienda’s performance at her very first World Championship was commendable. Competing among the best in the world, she showcased her strength and determination with the following lifts:
- Squat: 95kg, securing 7th place
- Bench Press: 65kg, finishing 13th
- Deadlift: 130kg, achieving 10th place
- Total: 290kg, placing 11th overall
While proud of her achievements, Abrienda admits she is not fully satisfied. “I know I have more, but my body just chose to go another way this time,” she reflected. Despite this, her resilience and pride in overcoming the intense preparation and challenges were evident. She holds the honor of being the first sub-junior Sarawakian to compete in the Junior World Championship, a testament to her hard work and dedication.
Overcoming Financial and Social Challenges
The road to the championship was not smooth. Abrienda candidly shared her struggles in securing funding and sponsorships. From writing letters to attending numerous meetings, she faced many closed doors and judgments. “I even had to step up on social media to try and get more help, even though people might think this action is shameful,” she confessed. Abrienda’s honesty about her financial struggles and her family’s situation resonated deeply with her followers, showing that the path to greatness is often paved with personal sacrifices.
Gratitude and Reflection: The People Who Stood by Her Side
Abrienda’s journey was made bearable by the unwavering support of those closest to her. She extended her heartfelt thanks to her family and her “dadi” and beloved coach, known as @jj_the_antman_59kg on social media. Recalling their journey together, Abrienda acknowledged the numerous challenges they overcame side by side. “It’s really insane looking back at all those things we had to go through together,” she shared. Their bond and collaborative spirit remain a crucial element of her continued success.
Looking Ahead: A Brighter Future in Powerlifting
Abrienda’s story doesn’t end here. With plans to continue collaborating with her coaches and aiming for more achievements, her journey in powerlifting is just beginning. She looks forward to her next challenge at the Asian championships, where she hopes to continue making Sarawak and Malaysia proud. “Let’s keep on collaborating well together and getting something more and more!” she exclaimed, optimistic about what the future holds.
Conclusion: Sarawak’s Rising Star
Abrienda Chan’s story is one of perseverance, grit, and unbreakable spirit. Despite facing financial struggles and the judgment of others, she broke barriers to compete on the world stage. Her journey is a powerful reminder that with the right support, determination, and resilience, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome. Sarawak and Malaysia are undoubtedly proud of this rising star, whose journey is sure to inspire many young athletes for years to come.