KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian contingent secured their first medal at the Paris Paralympics last night, with sprinter Eddy Bernard clinching bronze in the men’s 100-metre T44 (physical impairment) race.
Competing in lane three at the historic Stade de France, the Sabahan set a new Asian record time of 11.58 seconds, smashing the previous mark of 11.75 seconds set by Sri Lanka’s Indika Gamage at the World Para Athletics Championships in Kobe, Japan, in May.
According to local news agency Bernama, 23-year-old Eddy, who had a personal best of 11.77 seconds, got off to a good start but lost momentum midway, finishing third.
South Africa’s Mpumello Mhlongo won gold with a time of 11.12 seconds, followed by Cuba’s Yamel Luis Vives Suares (11.20 seconds), who took silver.
“When I see people with more perfect physical abilities doing things, I tell myself I can do it too.
“I always try to stay positive. Sometimes, I feel inferior, but I try to shift my thoughts and fight to not think negatively,” said Eddy.
The 2024 Paris Paralympics, which began on August 28, will continue until September 8.
The Paralympic Council of Malaysia (PCM) has set an ambitious target of four gold medals based on past achievements.
Since their Paralympics debut at the 1972 edition in Heidelberg, Germany, Team Malaysia has won a total of six gold medals, four silvers, and six bronzes. – September 2, 2024