KUCHING: Para-athlete Alexius Joel is determined to surpass his personal bests in long jump and triple jump at the upcoming Para (SUKMA) Malaysia Games 2024.
The 22-year-old from Miri, competing in the T20 men’s long jump category (intellectual disability), is aiming to upgrade his bronze medal from two years ago to gold.
“My preparations are going well. I hope to turn my bronze to silver if not better, into gold and improve my personal bests,” he told Sarawak Tribune at the Sarawak Stadium recently.
Alexius, who has mixed Bidayuh and Iban heritage, also aims to break his personal records of 6.18 metres in long jump and 12.80 metres in triple jump.
He is also driven by the desire to make Sarawak proud and honour his family, who may not be able to travel to Kuching.
“I want to make my family in Miri proud. They might not be able to come to Kuching because it’s quite far, so I’ll give it my all for them,” he said.
After Para SUKMA, Alexius is targeting an athletics open in Beijing.
“If the opportunity arises, I hope to compete in China next year,” he added.
