KUCHING: Swinburne University athletes Riefhan Jawaheer Jemain and Radzien Jawharee Jemain have proven that dedication, both on and off the court, leads to success.
Held from November 7 to 10 at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), the Miri-born brothers recently claimed their second gold medal at the Sukan Masiswa Zon Sarawak 2024 badminton tournament.
The brothers, of Jatti Miriek and Melanau heritage, have represented Swinburne at the Masiswa tournament for three consecutive years.
This year’s gold medal marked a significant improvement from their bronze finish in their debut tournament.
Their journey to victory, however, wasn’t just about refining their badminton skills—it involved intense physical and mental preparation, including regular hikes at Bukit Batu Selabat and Mount Santubong.
“Hiking those challenging cliffs was vital to our training,” said Riefhan, a 22-year-old Software Development major. “It helped us build the stamina and strength needed to perform at our best during the tournament.”
The brothers’ training schedule bore demands, involving twice-weekly hikes and 3-4 hour badminton sessions on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday nights—often extending into the early hours. Juggling academics with intense training, they demonstrated exceptional time management and commitment to their craft.
Riefhan emphasized that hiking not only helped with physical endurance but also strengthened their mental resilience. “It wasn’t just about conditioning our bodies—it was about developing a mindset that could handle any challenge.”
“I reminded myself to enjoy the game, no matter the outcome,” he shared.
When things get tough, I turned to my parents for support. Their faith in me was my greatest strength.”
Looking ahead to their final year of studies, the brothers are determined to defend their gold medal in next year’s tournament.
“We’re ready for the challenge,” Riefhan said with determination.
Their inspiring journey—from hiking the rugged trails of Mount Santubong to winning gold at the Masiswa podium—highlights the power of hard work, resilience, and the balance between academics and athletics.
