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KUCHING, Aug 25: Sarawak-born national paralympic powerlifter Bonnie Bunyau Gustin broke his own 230kg world record with a 231kg lift in the men’s over-72kg event at the Dubai 2023 World Para Powerlifting Championship in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
This remarkable display of strength unfolded as the 24-year-old not only clinched the gold medal but also solidified his position as the reigning world record holder in his 72kg weight category.
Bonnie had previously set a world record of 230kg, a feat achieved during his victorious performance at the 11th Fazza Dubai 2021 Para Powerlifting World Cup. Merely two months later, he ascended to the status of Paralympic champion in Tokyo in August.
With his latest triumph yesterday (Aug 24), Bonnie’s eligibility for the upcoming Paralympic Games in Paris next year was cemented, according to a news report by TVS.
His resounding victory saw him surpass his closest competitor, silver medalist Donato Telesca of Italy, who managed a lift of 202kg. Meanwhile, the bronze medal was secured by Bekzod Jamilov from Uzbekistan.
A total of 610 para powerlifters from 79 countries are competing at the Dubai 2023 World Para Powerlifting Championship, which will be held until August 30.
A serial record breaker, Bonnie exhibited his prowess by emerging top with a gold medal at the 2021 World Para Powerlifting Championships held in Tbilisi, Georgia, as well as triumphing at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. — DayakDaily
