Kota Kinabalu: Sabah’s national top ranked strongestwoman Joyce Heng Shu Xia is targeting three podium finishes in the 10 events that she will be taking part in at the 29th Thailand Master Athletics Championship to be held at the Chiang Rai Province Stadium from Feb 13-16.
She will compete in the women’s 35-39 category and the events are shot-put, discus, javelin, hammer throw, high jump, long jump, pole vault, 100m, 200m and 400m.
“I decided to participate in 10 events to take advantage of the opportunity since I will be there to compete.
“To be honest, I only have confidence in the throwing events and will be trying my luck in the running and jumping events, while hammer throw and pole vault are new to me,” she said.
According to her, this will be her first overseas trip competing as a track and field athlete.
She had previously competed twice at the Sabah Masters in 2022 and 2024 and also at the Malaysia Masters 2024 where she won a gold in shot-put and a silver in discus.
She also expressed her gratitude to her coach Juliana Gumpil for the guidance.
Meanwhile, five other Sabahans – Mordiana Abdullah (60-64), Maryem Joinol (65-69), Abdul Mulok Ag Damit (70-74), Helena Majalang (75-79) and Lee Ngit Yung (80-84) will also be participating in the four-day event.
Mordiana will compete in 200m, 100m, 60m; Maryem in shot-put, javelin; Abdul Mulok in pole vault, triple jump, high jump, long jump, 60m; Helena in discus, shot-put, javelin and Lee in discus, shot-put, javelin and long jump.
