KUCHING: Philomena Dexclyn Siar, a bodybuilder from Malaysia, achieved a career milestone at the 15th World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Federation (WBPF) World Championships in Addu City, Maldives, from Nov 5 to 11.
She claimed the gold medal in the Ladies Sport Physique Age Over-35 Class, marking her personal best at the prestigious international event.
Overcome with emotion, Philomena, 41, shared her immense joy after the victory, calling it a validation of her years of dedication and sacrifice.
“I was over the moon, cloud nine. This achievement means everything to me because all the sacrifices, the early mornings and late nights spent training, have paid off.
“It’s the highest achievement of my career in World Championships so far,” she said, beaming with pride.
While Philomena’s dedication and hard work were instrumental in her success, she was quick to highlight the crucial role her team played in helping her reach this pinnacle.
“My team, including my coach and my family, have been my pillars of strength.
“When things got tough, and you feel emotionally drained, they are the ones who lift me up with words of support.
“They pushed me to get up stronger, more focused, and ready for the next challenge,” she said, emphasising how their unwavering belief in her kept her going.
Philomena’s journey to gold was not easy. Juggling her office work commitments, as a Digital Administrative Officer, running personal training sessions at Turbo Fitness 24-Hour Gym, and preparing for the competition with her coach, Dr Malvern Abdullah, meant long hours and challenging nights.
“It felt like 24 hours in a day wasn’t enough, but I made it through. It’s a constant juggle, but I never gave up,” she shared with New Sarawak Tribune.
Her victory is a testament to her mental strength, discipline, and passion – qualities she believes are vital to success in bodybuilding.
“It’s not just about physical strength, but maintaining focus in every aspect of your life. Bodybuilding requires the highest level of discipline. It’s a lifestyle, not just a sport,” she explained.
Philomena’s personal triumph, however, would not have been possible without the full support of her coach Malvern, and the people who stood by her through the toughest times.
“When I hit low points during my contest prep, my team—my coach and family—were the ones who kept me going.
“Their words of encouragement were the fuel that powered me to keep pushing forward,” she said.
Looking to the future, Philomena, who hails from Kuching, knows that the journey to maintaining her title will require even greater sacrifice and effort.
“This victory means I have to work even harder to keep this title.
“There will be no rest, no off-season. It’s going to be more intensive training and stricter diets moving forward,” she shared.
Her victory represents more than just personal achievement—it is also a victory for Team Malaysia.
“This is not just my win; it’s for Team Malaysia. I want to inspire others to know that with hard work, discipline, and passion, we can achieve anything,” she said proudly, fully aware that her success is a reflection of the collective effort of her entire team. Philomena also secured a silver in the Women’s Sport Physique 165cm.
