SEPANG: Tokyo Paralympic medalists Bonnie Bunyau Gustin and Jong Yee Khieâs only wish right now is to be able to spend time with their respective families after they end their 14-day quarantine.
Bonnie, fresh from his gold medal win in the menâs 72 kilogramme (kg) powerlifting event, said that it had been more than a year since he went back home to his village in Serian, Sarawak.
He, along with most national athletes, had to undergo training under quarantine in accordance with the sports bubble concept at the capital city, to avoid the risk of being infected by COVID-19.
When asked about what he planned to do with the RM1 million incentive under the Sports Victory Prize Scheme Incentive (SHAKAM), Bonnie said he had not considered anything.
âI donât know what Iâm going to do with the prize money yet, Iâll have to ask my father,â he answered briefly at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) here today.
Bonnie thanked all Malaysians who prayed for his success as well as national coach Jamil Adam who guided him along the path to becoming Paralympic champion.
âThanks to all of you and everyone who assisted me. Happy 64th National Day. âDemi Malaysiaâ (for Malaysia),â he added.
Meanwhile, Yee Khie, a silver medalist in the 107kg category, also thanked Jamil, who strategised and also helped him increase his muscle mass to compete in the category.
âIn the 2016 Rio Games, I finished seventh in the 97 kg category. Then the coach asked me to increase my muscle mass, and we can see the improvement and I was able to contend for a medal this time around.
âAfter this, I am heading back (to Kuching, Sarawak), because I havenât been back for so long. Thank you, fellow Malaysians, Happy National Day,â he said.- Bernama
