RANAU: Keningau’s Gloria Beth Jefson made history at the 58th Sabah Schools Sports Council (MSSS) Athletics Championships after breaking a 33-year-old girls’ Under-12 shot put record at the Ranau Sports Complex.
The young athlete produced a remarkable throw of 10.99 metres, surpassing the previous record of 10.13 metres set by Anna Teresa Peter Amandus at the 1993 MSSS Championships in Kudat.
Gloria’s outstanding performance earned her the gold medal for Keningau while ending one of the longest-standing records in Sabah school athletics.
The record-breaking moment drew loud cheers from spectators, officials and fellow athletes as Gloria etched her name into the MSSS record books.
Her achievement was credited to months of dedicated training, determination and the support of her coaches, parents and the Keningau contingent.
Former record holder Anna Teresa Peter Amandus praised Gloria’s achievement, saying she was proud to see a new generation of athletes continue to raise the standard of Sabah athletics.
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Anna, who is originally from Kampung Limbahau, Papar and now lives in Sandakan, said she never expected her record to remain unbeaten for more than three decades.
“I always thought the record would be broken every year. Last year, I was told it was missed by just one centimetre. That was when I knew the time would eventually come,” she said.
Instead of feeling disappointed, Anna said she was happy to see Gloria achieve what many athletes had attempted over the years.
“Records are meant to be broken. I’m proud that my record lasted for 33 years, but I’m even prouder to see the younger generation achieve such an outstanding throw,” she said.
Anna recalled that her own success in 1993 came through consistent training, good coaching and strong family support, especially from her mother, who was also a former shot put athlete.
She encouraged Gloria to remain focused and continue improving her talent.
“If you truly want something, work hard for it. Failure is never the end — it is an opportunity to come back stronger,” she said.
Gloria’s achievement is more than a new record; it represents the emergence of a new generation of Sabah athletes ready to continue the state’s sporting legacy.
Her success also serves as an inspiration to young athletes, showing that with commitment and perseverance, even long-standing records can be broken.
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