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Malaysian para powerlifter wins bronze, vows to bounce back in Japan
๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡พ Malaysia /Sports

Malaysian para powerlifter wins bronze, vows to bounce back in Japan

From Utusan Malaysia · () Malay

Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Malaysian para powerlifter Bonnie Bunyau Gustin expressed disappointment after winning bronze in the lightweight category at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
  • He claimed a controversial referee's 'rack' call prevented him from completing a final lift of 230kg, which he believed could have secured gold.
  • Gustin apologized to Malaysians for not defending his gold medal but vowed to train harder for the upcoming Asian Para Games in Japan.

Malaysian para powerlifter Bonnie Bunyau Gustin admitted his disappointment at securing a bronze medal in the men's lightweight category at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, failing to defend his gold title. The two-time Paralympic champion felt his chance to retain the gold was within reach until the final attempt.

Yes, I am very disappointed not to defend the gold medal for Malaysia, and I apologize to Malaysians. I am satisfied with my performance today (yesterday), I accept this third medal.

โ€” Bonnie Bunyau GustinExpressing disappointment and acceptance of the bronze medal.

Gustin planned to lift 230 kilograms (kg) in his final attempt to improve his standing and aim for gold. However, he alleged that the referee issued a 'rack' command before he could complete the lift, prematurely ending his crucial attempt. This incident, he believes, cost him the gold medal.

"Yes, I am very disappointed not to defend the gold medal for Malaysia, and I apologize to Malaysians. I am satisfied with my performance today (yesterday), I accept this third medal," Gustin stated. He added, "For the final lift, I really wanted to do 230kg. I hadn't finished placing the bar on the rack yet, but the referee already gave the 'rack' command. It's okay, maybe it wasn't my fortune here."

For the final lift, I really wanted to do 230kg. I hadn't finished placing the bar on the rack yet, but the referee already gave the 'rack' command. It's okay, maybe it wasn't my fortune here.

โ€” Bonnie Bunyau GustinDescribing the controversial final lift attempt.

Despite his disappointment, the four-time world champion chose not to lodge a formal protest. His focus has now shifted to preparing for the Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, in October. "I will train harder to face the Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya. After returning home, I will resume training and focus on my target," he said. Gustin recorded his best lift at 220kg, earning 153.5 points for the bronze medal. England's Mark Swan won gold with 222kg (153.9 points), and Nigeria's Roland Ezuruike took silver with 185kg (also 153.5 points).

I will train harder to face the Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya. After returning home, I will resume training and focus on my target.

โ€” Bonnie Bunyau GustinStating his future training plans.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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