By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 24: Sarawakian para swimmer Galang Jabai, who regularly endured a grueling seven-hour bus journey to get to training sessions, saw his dedication rewarded today as he clinched gold in the men’s 100m freestyle S7 category at the Para Malaysia Games (Para Sukma) 2024 today.
Despite being just two years from retirement, the 38-year-old showcased his unwavering determination, finishing with a time of 1:23.18 to take first place.
According to a news report by Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), Muhammad Syafiq Azman of Kedah earned the silver with a time of 1.26.06, while Penang’s Ikmal Danial secured bronze with 1.47.94.
Galang, deeply moved by his win, dedicated the medal to Sarawak, his family, and his supporters, especially his father, who witnessed him compete for the first time.
“My father is up there in the stands. This is the first time he’s come to see me compete, and he took a bus to get here,” he shared emotionally when speaking to reporters at the Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre.
As the eldest in his family, Galang regularly travelled the long distance from Julau to Kuching to attend training sessions, a testament to his commitment to the sport.
He is set to compete in four more events in the coming days, aiming to add more gold medals to Sarawak’s overall tally.
Meanwhile, Sarawakian Rapelson Richard Hamit, who is also Persatuan Anak Istimewa Sarawak (Perais) president, finished fourth in the same race with a time of 2:03.91.
In another event earlier today, Hasroy Abu Bakar of Sarawak claimed bronze in the men’s 200m freestyle S4/S5 category, clocking in at 6:38.10. The gold medal went to Penang’s Muhammad Nur Faris Ghazali, who posted a time of 4:21.19, while Sabah’s Jonathan Wong Zee Siang took silver with 4:43.47. — DayakDaily
