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Kota Kinabalu: Seven Sabah Masters Athletics Association (Samas) athletes representing the country had a historic outing at the World Masters Games held in Chinese Taipei recently.

They returned with a record eight gold, five silver and three bronze medals.

Lucy Yong competing in the women’s 65 category won three gold medals in the 100m, long jump and triple jump events, while Dr Alison Chew in the women’s 40 category delivered two golds in the 100m and 400m hurdles as well as two bronzes in the 200m and 400m.

The other gold medallists were Juliana Gumpil (women’s 60) in pole vault, Bernice Lau Kam Mun  (women’s 50) in long jump and Datuk Abdul Mulok (men’s 70) in pole vault.

Juliana also won three silvers in the 80m hurdles, long jump and triple jump with the other silvers came from Shamry Mohd Ali (men’s 55) in 100m hurdles and Charlie

Lee (men’s 65) in high jump, who also delivered one bronze in 100m.

Team leader Shamry, who is also Samas treasurer, was delighted with the number of medals won by the team.

“This is the most successful outing ever for both Malaysia Masters and Sabah Masters Athletics at a World Masters Games event.

“Our success has been greatly supported by the Ministry of Youth and Sports and Sabah Sports Council.

“Credit also to our Masters athletes for their dedication and commitments to undergo rigorous training under the guidance of equally dedicated coaches and officials,” he said.

He also said they were able to send a bigger squad this time due to cheaper airfare to Taipei.

“Another contributing factor to our success in winning so many medals this time is the affordability of travelling to Taipei, which is the closest World Masters Games (WMG) venue to Malaysia.”

He hoped with the continued success story of Samas, more in the State will be encouraged to join them for training and competing in the future.

“Masters athletics is about providing competitive opportunities for adults aged 35 and above, allowing them to continue participating in and enjoying the sport well beyond the traditional athletic years —with a strong emphasis on lifelong fitness, health, and camaraderie,” he said.

Meanwhile, Samas was represented by nine members and the other two were Joseph Latong and James Wong Thien Yin.