Hajiji and Ellron congratulate Beluran sprinter Eddy
Published on: Tuesday, September 03, 2024
By: GL Oh
Eddy (right) with Mhlongo (middle) and Suares after receiving their medals. – fotoBERNAMA
Kota Kinabalu: State Paralympian Eddy Bernard was congratulated by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ellron Angin after delivering the country’s first medal in the Paris Paralympics on Sunday.
He captured the bronze medal by finishing third behind gold medal winner Mpumelelo Mhlongo from South Africa and second placed Cuban Yamel Vives in the men’s 100-metre T44 category.
ADVERTISEMENT
His time of 11.58s also erased the previous Asian record of 11.75s set by Sri Lanka’s Indika Gamage, who only managed a fifth place finish in Paris with 11.67s.
The Chief Minister in his social media post congratulated Eddie on his success.
“Well done and congratulations to Eddy Bernard who managed to present the country’s first medal in the Paralympics by winning the bronze medal in the T44 category of the men’s 100m event,” he said.
Ellron on the other hand, said they are very happy for Eddy to win the first medal for the country in Paris and hopes more Sabahans will achieve similar success in Paris and international events in the future.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Congratulations to Eddy on a very proud achievement, especially for the people of Sabah.
“This native of Beluran not only contributed to the contingent’s first medal by winning the bronze in the 100m T44 event but he has also broken the Asian record with his new time of 11.58s.
ADVERTISEMENT
“We hope our athletes can deliver more medals in future Paralympics or any international meets in times to come,” he said.
Meanwhile, two more Sabahans in the country’s Paris Paralympics squad failed to deliver any medals in their respective events.
Long jumper Jonathan Wong Kar Gee, who managed to jump 6.85m, narrowly missed the podium in the T12 category after finishing fourth while badminton player Muhd Amin Burhanuddin was unable to make the semi-final stage in the men’s SL4 category.
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
Daily Express Malaysia
