Everybody expected me to win gold and that I would win, but I still had to work hard, to go to training, to be at the top of my game. A lot of people forget that.
– Esther Vergeer, Netherlands’ wheelchair tennis star after winning her fourth Paralympic gold
When we talk about the power of the human spirit, perseverance and defying the odds, few stories resonate more profoundly than that of Bonnie Bunyau Gustin, Sarawak’s own ‘Pocket Hercules’.
At just 25 years old, Bonnie has achieved what only a handful of athletes in the world, let alone para-athletes, have done – lifting three times his own body weight and winning Malaysia’s second gold medal at the Paris Paralympics.
His feat – and display of physical strength, determination, resilience and the essence of true sportsmanship – have made the entire nation proud, and I feel obliged to pen a piece on him.
In the world of weightlifting, being able to hoist three times one’s body weight is a rare achievement. Historically, only a select few in the sport have managed to achieve this near-impossible feat.
These legends, names like Naim Suleymanoglu from Turkey, Bulgarian giants like Stefan Topurov and Angel Genchev, and Yun-Chol Om from North Korea, belong to an elite class of athletes. And now, Malaysia’s own Bonnie Bunyau Gustin has joined their ranks, becoming not only a two-time Paralympic champion but also a world record holder, lifting a staggering 232kg in Paris.
Bonnie’s achievement, the product of years of gruelling training and a focused mindset, is made even more special considering the challenges that para-athletes face. His incredible feat in Paris started with an opening lift of 221kg.
He didn’t stop there; his second successful attempt of 226kg further separated him from the field. But it was his final lift of 232kg that immortalised him in the record books, setting a new world record and earning him his second Paralympic title. His previous record of 231kg was set just last year at the World Championships.
Bonnie’s journey from Serian to Paralympic powerlifting is nothing short of inspirational. His rise to prominence began at the age of 15 when he left school to dedicate himself fully to the sport.
Powerlifting became his calling, and through hard work and perseverance, he steadily climbed the ranks. He first made waves on the global stage by winning gold at the 2019 World Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan.
From there, he continued to dominate, winning at the 2021 championships in Tbilisi and the 2023 meet in Dubai.
Bonnie’s consistency is remarkable. In a sport where marginal differences in performance can be the difference between gold and silver, he has remained unbeaten on the world stage for years. His technical prowess, mental fortitude and commitment to excellence have ensured that Bonnie is now not only a national hero but a global icon.
As he himself says, there’s little time for rest. Despite his victory in Paris, he’s already looking ahead to the next challenge: the World Powerlifting Championships in Egypt next year. For now, though, he’ll return to his hometown of Serian to take a brief break with his family – something he’s been looking forward to after months of intense Paralympic preparation.
Bonnie’s triumphs are not just about the medals or the world records. His success story sends a powerful message to athletes everywhere, both able-bodied and para-athletes. It demonstrates the potential of the human spirit to rise above adversity and push the boundaries of what is possible.
By achieving feats that even able-bodied athletes struggle to match, Bonnie has shattered preconceived notions about disability and shown that Paralympians are true legends of sport.
Malaysia’s squash icon Datuk Nicol Ann David put it best when she praised Bonnie’s herculean achievement: “Paralympians are the true legends of sport because they work three times as hard.”
Bonnie’s victory in Paris, she noted, is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication and the strength of dreams.
“You’re a true legend,” she added, summing up the feelings of millions of Malaysians.
Bonnie’s journey has also been lauded by political leaders across the nation. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr. Sim Kui Hian was among those who expressed their admiration for Bonnie, as did Bandar Kuching MP Dr. Kelvin Yii, and Serembu assemblyman Miro Simuh.
Their sentiments were echoed by Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, who witnessed Bonnie’s historic lift in Paris.
“Malaysians love you, Bonnie Bunyau,” she said after the event. “Thank you for presenting the gold medal to Malaysia.”
Indeed, Bonnie’s victory is a gift to the nation – a bright spot in a time when unity and pride in our shared identity have never been more important. MCA chief Datuk Seri Dr. Wee Ka Siong aptly called Bonnie’s gold medal a “meaningful gift” that has made Malaysia proud. It’s not just about the weight lifted, but the weight of expectation, hope and inspiration that Bonnie now carries for all of us.
The future is incredibly bright for Bonnie. With his second Paralympic gold secured and the world record in his grasp, there’s no telling how far this remarkable athlete can go.
Perhaps, the most exciting aspect of Bonnie’s journey is the example he sets for future generations of athletes, especially para-athletes in Sarawak and across Malaysia. He has shown that with enough grit, determination and heart, nothing is impossible.
As he looks ahead to the next phase of his career, there’s little doubt our Pocket Hercules will continue to break barriers, set records, and inspire countless individuals. And as Sarawak’s ‘Hercules’, he has already etched his name into the annals of sporting history.
Let’s all take a moment to celebrate Bonnie – not just for his gold medal in Paris, but for the legacy he’s building, one lift at a time. He has proven that greatness knows no limits, and his story will be told for generations to come.
Bonnie, you’ve made Sarawak and Malaysia, incredibly proud. And please allow me to unashamedly rejig a famous quote to this: “That’s one small lift for Bonnie, but one giant heave for Malaysians.”
(On July 20, 1969, American astronaut Neil Armstrong put his left foot on the lunar surface and famously declared, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”)
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune.
