By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Sept 25: Sarawakian para powerlifter Bryan Junency Gustin has shattered the national record en route to winning two gold medals in the men’s 88 kilograms (kg) category at the Para Malaysia Games (Para Sukma) held at the Sarawak Youth and Sports Complex here yesterday (Sept 24).
The 27-year-old from Kampung Mawang Baru, Serian, lifted 180kg in his first attempt and raised it to 185kg and 191kg for his second and third attempts, respectively.
He also attempted to lift the weight of 201kg but failed.
Still, the 191kg record was enough to obliterate the previous meet record and national record of 190kg set by Kuching-born Nicodemus Manggoi Moses in the 2022 Para Sukma and the 2021 World Para Powerlifting World Cup in Bangkok, Thailand.
Following the impressive performance, Bryan won two gold medals; one each for best lift (191kg) and total lift (556kg).
Perak’s Chee Der Min bagged two silver medals for best lift of 123kg and 365kg for overall, while Selangor’s Mohd Nazrisa’arizal Mat Saad (105kg, 307kg) took the bronze medals.
Bryan is the older brother of the national powerlifter Bonnie Bunyau Gustin who recently defended his gold men’s 72kg category by lifting 232kg at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, breaking his own previous world record of 231kg set at the 2023 World Para Powerlifting Championships in Dubai.
Bryan and Bonnie’s youngest brother, 15-year-old Browson John Gustin also competed in the below 80kg category today where he won the bronze medal for best lift of 93kg and placed fourth for total lift of 259kg. — DayakDaily
