This work is originally published by Cahya Mata Sarawak. DayakDaily has been given permission to share this story on our platforms.
By Martin Yee, Kenny Ee, and Marlynda Meraw
IN the early 1960s. fun fairs were the essence of local entertainment, a lovely mix of laughter, music, and the smell of popcorn filling the warm air. There were rides for children, colourful stalls selling trinkets, and parlour games for eager challengers. But the real attraction often came with the competition—displays of strength and daring that captured the attention of all who watched.
At one of these fun fairs, amidst the chatter and excitement, a young Suratinan Tamin first stepped into the spotlight. Standing on a makeshift stage under the glow of carnival lights, he entered the strongman contest, not knowing this humble beginning would be the first step in a journey that would take him to the heights of international bodybuilding fame.
Better known by his stage name Saloman Esmanto, he earned the nickname ‘Mr Hercules’ after triumphing in a local strongman competition—a title that would come to symbolise his remarkable strength and spirit. Little did he realise then, that this modest beginning would eventually propel him to international fame.
Born in 1943, Saloman’s rise to stardom was anything but immediate. His journey was marked by persistence and setbacks. After claiming the Mr Hercules title in 1963, he aimed higher, entering the Mr Sarawak competition in 1965—a pivotal moment in his young career. Despite his efforts, success eluded him in his early attempts. However, his determination never wavered; instead, those early defeats only strengthened his resolve to strive harder.
It was the Prisons Department that played a pivotal role in shaping Saloman’s career. Having joined the department, his prospects began to rise. Further encouraged by Chief Rajah Ghazali and former head of the Prisons Rehabilitation Centre Daljit Singh, Saloman’s focus sharpened, and his passion for bodybuilding intensified. He now had a purpose and the backing to pursue the sport with renewed zeal.
His perseverance finally bore fruit in 1968 when Saloman claimed the Mr Sarawak title, a triumph that brought him the recognition he had long sought. Later that same year, he secured third place in the prestigious Mr Malaysia competition, proving that he was becoming a formidable presence in the bodybuilding world.
But it was 1969 that marked his breakthrough. That year, Saloman not only claimed the Mr Malaysia title but also represented Malaysia at the Sports Festival in Singapore, where he triumphed yet again. His greatest achievement, however, came later that year when he competed in the Mr Asia contest, held in Colombo, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka).
In a dramatic turn of events, the contest resulted in a tie with Japanese competitor Yukio Ozama. The decision came down to a coin toss—a single, fateful moment that crowned Saloman Mr Asia, cementing his legacy on the international stage.
His rise to prominence was swift from there. After adopting the stage name, he went on to defend his Mr. Asia title in 1970, placing as the runner-up, followed by a third-place finish in 1971. His ambitions continued to soar, and in 1972, he competed in both the Mr Asia and Mr Universe contests held in Baghdad, Iraq. While he placed fifth in Mr. Asia and seventh in Mr Universe, these international competitions put him alongside the best bodybuilders from powerhouse countries like the United States, Belgium, and Japan.
Over the course of his career, Saloman would win two Mr Malaysia titles, in 1971 and 1973, and dominate the Mr Sarawak competition, claiming the title eleven times between 1968 and 1978. His achievements were not overlooked as he was awarded the Sportsman of the Year by the Sarawak State Sports Council in 1971, a prestigious honour that recognised his contributions to the sport.
His influence extended beyond the competition stage. After retiring from professional bodybuilding, Saloman returned to his alma mater, St. Thomas’ School, where he mentored and trained young boys in the art of bodybuilding, passing on the knowledge and discipline he had gained over the years. In 2007, his lifelong contributions to sports were recognised when he was awarded the Sports Figure Award by the Sarawak Sports Council (MSNS).
In 2014, Saloman took his final bow, succumbing to intestinal cancer, leaving behind a legacy far greater than his physical feats. He was Sarawak’s first true bodybuilder, a trailblazer whose strength wasn’t confined to muscles alone.
From his humble beginnings in local fun fairs to standing on the international stage, Saloman’s tale is of unshakable resolve and great triumphs. Though the spotlight may have dimmed, the road he paved continues to inspire. Sarawak may have bid farewell to its Hercules, but the spirit of his journey will continue to endure. –DayakDaily
