Powerlifter smashes his own world record

6 September 2024

PETALING JAYA: Bonnie Bunyau Gustin is a world record holder, three-time world champion, and now a two-time Paralympic gold medal winner.

He was dubbed "Stuff of Legends" by an enthusiastic commentator and cheered on by the crowds, providing him with immense encouragement.

The powerlifter smashed his own world record in the men's 72kg category, securing Malaysia's second Paralympic gold medal at the Porte de La Chapelle Arena in Paris today.

At just 25 years old, the Sarawak native made a strong impression from the start. He lifted an impressive 221kg in his opening attempt, three times his body weight.

Bonnie distinguished himself further with a second lift of 226kg. With gold guaranteed, he raised the weight to 232kg, successfully clearing the challenge and setting a new world record. This surpassed his previous record of 231kg, established at the world championships last year.

Bonnie joins shuttler Cheah Liek Hou as Malaysia's Paralympic champions in Paris; Liek Hou won the men's SU5 singles gold medal at the same venue last Sunday.

China's Hu Peng claimed silver with a lift of 214kg, while Italy's Donato Telesca took bronze with 213kg.