KUCHING, Oct 16: Bidayuh bodybuilding athlete Philomena Dexclyn Siar has been awarded a Jalur Gemilang Book of Records certificate and medal during the 52nd Mr Malaysia Bodybuilding Championships held at Malaysia Agro Exposition Park in Serdang, Selangor, on Saturday (Oct 14).
According to a media release, the award was presented to her following her remarkable achievement as the first Sarawakian woman to win an Asian bodybuilding title after clinching the gold medal in the Women’s Sport Physique (Over 165cm) category at the 55th Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships in Kathmandu, Nepal recently.
The ceremony was attended and witnessed by Malaysia Body Building Federation (MBBF) president Major General Dato Dr Ahmad Badrus Othman (Rtd), vice president Lieutenant Commander Kamaruzaman Kadir (Rtd,) and Jalur Gemilang Book of Records chief executive officer Simon Lau.
Remarkably, the certificate and medal presentation coincided with Philomena’s 40th birthday, adding an extra layer of significance to the event for our bodybuilding champion.
Philomena’s groundbreaking win not only represents a personal triumph but also stands as a significant milestone for Sarawakian sports and female empowerment.
Her success has sparked pride and inspiration within the local community, especially among aspiring athletes, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and challenge conventional norms.
While currently serving as a State government administrative officer, Philomena embarked on her professional bodybuilding journey in 2018.
Her initial motivation was to lead a healthier lifestyle and shed weight. She diligently committed to hours on the treadmill and weight training and enlisted the guidance of a personal trainer.
In 2018, her talent was spotted by a renowned Sarawakian and Malaysian world-class bodybuilding athlete, Dr Malvern Abdullah. Under his mentorship, Philomena made her competition debut at the FM League Physique War & Muscle War 2018 in Singapore. — DayakDaily
