Meilaura clinches gold at Asian Championship
Published on: Thursday, August 15, 2024
By: Jessie Lee
Meilaura (centre) poses with Vietnam’s Dinh Kim Loan (left) and Sarawak’s Siti Hadjar Mansor Awang Hitam. – Photo courtesy of Meilaura Dora Jimmy.
Kota Kinabalu: Sabahan Meilaura Dora Jimmy has again brought pride to Malaysia by clinching the gold medal in the Women’s Bodybuilding up to 55kg category at the 56th Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships 2024.
The event took place in Batam City, Riau Province, Indonesia, from Aug 6 to 12.
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Meilaura’s victory is particularly significant as it marks her triumphant return to the Asian bodybuilding stage after a decade-long hiatus due to a determination to focus on the World Games.
“This time, I decided to join the Asian Games as a warm-up to prepare myself for the World Games, which will be held in the Maldives in November,” she said.
Her performance in Batam also earned her a commendable fifth place in the Mixed Pairs Category, showcasing her versatility and dedication to the sport.
Reflecting on her preparation journey, Meilaura revealed that her training was both a physical and mental challenge, beginning shortly after her participation in the World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships in South Korea last November.
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“Balance is the key to maintaining a good diet and training regimen,” she said, adding that her diet is not just a temporary measure but a lifestyle choice essential for sustaining good-quality muscle and mental fortitude.
Meilaura’s impressive track record in the world of bodybuilding spans several years, with notable achievements including a silver medal at the 14th World Bodybuilding and Physique Sport Championships in South Korea in 2023, and multiple medals including golds at international championships in countries such as Thailand, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.
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Despite the challenges of maintaining a rigorous training schedule, she balances her professional life as a freelance personal trainer with her personal commitments.
“I prioritise my workout before I work with my clients, which means waking up early in the morning and prepping advanced meals,” she said.
Looking ahead, Meilaura is fully focused on her next big challenge – the World Games in the Maldives.
Her journey is a testament to her perseverance and the sacrifices she has made to achieve success.
“Thank God for giving me strength contributing to the efforts, sacrifices and taking care of my own diet throughout the year so that I could become the category champion and contribute a gold to the country,” she said.
Meilaura also extended her gratitude to the various organisations that have supported her, including the National Sports Council, the Malaysian Bodybuilding Federation, the Sabah State Sports Council, the Sabah Bodybuilding Association, EL Physio, Prime Fitness, and her family.
With this latest victory, Meilaura continues to inspire athletes in Sabah and across Malaysia.
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