KUCHING: The gold medals won by Sarawak para powerlifting athlete Mohamad Fuad Alen marks the end of an illustrious career in the sport.
His two gold medals also signify his final participation in the Para (Sukma) Malaysia Games.
Earlier Friday (Sept 27), he recorded his best lift of 108kg and a total lift of 313kg at the event, ending with two gold medals in hand.
Fuad is retiring from the sport due to the age limit of 45 years old for competing in Para Sukma.
Despite his victories, the 45-year-old from Kampung Paya Mebi, Landeh, described his success as a farewell.
“Although I won a gold medal for Sarawak, I feel sad. After this, I will return to my village and no longer compete as I will focus on my job,” he said in an interview at the Sarawak Youth and Sports Complex here.
Fuad, who has worked for 15 years at the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP), expressed his intention to make way for new talents to represent Sarawak, having been involved in Para Sukma since 1994.
“Previously, my employer always provided me with leave to support my training.
“But this time, I will step back and focus on my work, giving opportunities to new talents,” he explained.
He also mentioned that he had been offered a position as an assistant for the para powerlifting team by the team manager but declined the offer.
While he is sad to leave the Sarawak team, Fuad expressed gratitude to his family, friends, coaches and teammates for their support throughout his journey.
