From Amiril Muttaqien Meketar
PARIS: National para-athlete Eddy Bernard does not see his physical limitations as an obstacle to achieving success in life, more so in bringing glory to the country by delivering Malaysia’s first medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.
Eddy bagged a bronze medal in the men’s 100-metre (m) T44 (physical impairment) event by clocking 11.58 seconds on the fourth day of the 2024 Paralympics at the Stade de France yesterday.
Although born with a condition where some of his fingers are fused and with a smaller right leg, Eddy, of Beluran, Sabah, always maintains a positive mindset and believes that he can do whatever it is that other able-bodied people can do.
“When I see what able-bodied people can do, I can do it too. I always try to stay positive.
“Sometimes, I do feel down, but I try to focus on other things to stay positive, (and) not to think negatively,” he said when met at the mixed zone here yesterday.
Not only did Eddy win a bronze, but his time of 11.58s also broke the old Asian record of 11.75s set by Sri Lanka’s Indika Gamage at the 2024 World Para Athletics Championships in Kobe, Japan in May.
Meanwhile, in yesterday’s final, South African Mpumello Mhlongo stormed to the gold medal in 11.12s while Cuba’s Yamel Luis Vives Suares (11.20s) took silver.
The 23-year-old Eddy also felt confident that he could deliver the country’s first medal on the fourth day of this prestigious global sporting event.
He said words of encouragement from his coach Hamberi Mahat also fuelled his desire to achieve the highest success in his career since he started representing the country in 2017.
“Coach said just go for it, don’t overthink, just focus on yourself,” said the youngest among six siblings.
The 2024 World Para Athletics Championships silver medallist also dedicated the bronze medal to his family, coach Hamberi and his friends for all their support.
The 2024 Paris Paralympics began on Aug 28 and will conclude on Sunday (Aug 8). – BERNAMA
