By Ashley Sim and Karen Bong
KUCHING, Aug 24: Selangor’s swimming prodigy Andrew Goh Zheng Yin and Negeri Sembilan’s sharpshooter Gan Chen Jie were crowned the Best Male and Female Athletes of the 21st Malaysia Games (Sukma) 2024, respectively, after delivering outstanding performances in the prestigious national sports event.
Andrew, 20, proved himself as a rising star in Malaysian swimming by clinching five gold medals out of the seven events he competed in.
His remarkable achievements were highlighted by breaking two of his own national records.
Andrew set a new benchmark in the 100m breaststroke with a time of 1 minute 01.39 seconds and shattered the 50m breaststroke record with a blistering 27.40 seconds.
Adding to his list of accolades, Andrew also broke two Sukma records in the 200m breaststroke and the men’s 4x100m medley relay.
He further showcased his versatility by securing another gold in the mixed 4x100m medley relay.
Meanwhile, Chen Jie, also 20, demonstrated why she deserved the title of Best Female Athlete with an impressive haul of seven gold medals.
Chen Jie broke two Sukma records in the 10m air rifle and 50m rifle three-position events. She recorded a new score of 243.7 points in the 10m air rifle and 449 points in the 50m rifle three-position.
In addition to these record-breaking performances, Chen Jie also secured gold medals in the 50m rifle prone, 10m air rifle team, 50m rifle prone team, 50m rifle three-position team, and the mixed 10m air rifle events.
Andrew and Chen Jie were both awarded RM2,000 in cash, along with a trophy and a challenge cup.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, accompanied by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, presented the awards during the closing ceremony of Sukma 2024 held tonight at the Stadium Perpaduan here. — DayakDaily
