Kota Kinabalu: Former national pole vaulter Aliudin Jumaat
(pic) has passed away unexpectedly, Tuesday night.
The 68-year-old was found unconscious inside the Likas Stadium after a training session at around 8pm.
He was then rushed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital II before he breathed his last at about 9.20pm.
According to former Sabah Masters Athletic Association (Samas) president and ex-national sprinter David William, his former teammate had earlier complained of severe chest pain after a 100-metre sprint on the track, but was able to walk back on his own to the main entrance area where he is believed to have collapsed later while taking a rest.
The Papar-born athlete, who was the national pole vault champion and record holder in the early eighties, was actively involved in the masters (veterans) circuit.
He was one of the founding members of Samas and was their president for 11 years.
He competed and captured medals in many international events including the World Masters Championship where he won the silver medal twice.
His last appearance on the world stage was at the World Masters Athletic indoor Championships 2023 held in Torun, Poland back in March.
Meanwhile, Youth and Sports Ministry’s permanent secretary Datuk Mansur Asun in a statement released on Wednesday conveyed his condolences to the family of Aliudin on behalf of Datuk Ellron Angin, Assistant Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Fairuz Renddan, Sabah Sports Board, Sabah Sports Council and also the State Youth Council.
