Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Masters Athletics Association (Samas) contingent won a staggering 87 gold medals, surpassing their earlier 48-gold target at the Malaysia Masters Athletics Championship held at Stadium University Malaya from June 22-23.They captured the overall title with the addition of 48 silvers and 20 bronzes in the two-day competition which saw the participation of more than 600 athletes including those from India, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, Hong Kong, Japan and South Korea.Three of their women athletes also managed to break six meet records with three from Juliana Gumpil (55-59 category) in the 100m, high jump and triple jump, Susanna Hiew (65-69) in 1500m and 3000m, and Vironica Elau (60-64) in 3000m walk.Julian and Susana also took another gold each in the long jump and 800m respectively while Vironica contributed three more in the 300m, 1500m and 800m
Oldest member Alfred Lajawa (85-89) won four golds in the 100m, 200m, javelin and discus, while his wife Adeline Umbul (80-84) delivered three golds in the 3000m, 1500m and 3000m walk.Former national athlete and world masters silver medallist Aliudin Jumaat (60-64) contributed two golds in the 100m hurdles and high jump.Other multiple gold medallists were Sidin Wasin (75-79) in 400m, 800m, 1500m and 5000m; Christina Labanjing (65-69) in long jump, triple jump, high jump and 100m; Erine Sinuel (women 50-54) in 100m, 200m, 400m and shot put; Lucy Yong (W60-64) in 100m, 200m, long jump and triple jump; Maulani Diman (50-54) in shot put, discus, 100m and 200m; Vitalis Herman (70-74) in long jump, triple jump and 200m; Charlie Lee (L60-64) 100m, 200m and 400m, Saidi Kailu (40-44) in long jump and high jump; Rahim Selamat (55-59) in 100m and 200m; Charles Lingam (60-64) in long jump and triple jump; Yaw Doly Yaw Lokong (65-69) in shot put and javelin; Tay Yu Eng (60-64) in discus and javelin; Adenah Lojuhun (55-59) in 400m and 1500m, Bernice Lau Kam Mun (45-49) in long jump and 100m and Christy Kong Siew Choo (35-39) in 800m and 1500m.Those who delivered one gold each were Kimeh Monjitol (65-69 in 3000m walk); Samsiah Mohd Yassin (60-64 in 400m); Pirin Berangin (60-64 in shot put); Mordiana Abdullah (55-59 in 200m); Cyril Misong (35-39 in 400m); Clarence Tami (35-39 in long jump); Augustine Donneo (45-49 in javelin); Larry Andang (45-49 in triple jump); Yusop Tangkop (50-54 in 1500m); Shamry Mohd Ali (50-54 in 110 hurdle); Jiprin Jusdi (50-54 in long jump); Jikut Julius Komuning (70-74 in javelin); Gilbert Daladin (70-74 in 400m); Saniban Ampilah (60-64 in shot put); Chung Yun kiong (55-59 in triple jump); Paul Fung (65-69 in 100m); Jessie Manjin (50-54 in discus); Cecilia Marksimon (45-49 in 3000m); Jessy Liew (35-39 in high jump) and Katherine Majudil (35-39 in 100m hurdle).
The relay teams also won three golds from the men and women 4 x 400m, as well as the women 4 x 100m.Samas President David William was pleased with the contingent’s triumphant outing and congratulated the athletes for their achievement.“It was a very good result for our athletes in preparation for the Asian Masters Athletics Championships in Kuching, Sarawak from December 2-7.“Congratulation to all of them, who have put in a lot of effort in winning the medals and I would like to thank team manager Dr Tajul Ariffin for the successful outing.“We would like to also thank Youth and Sports Minister Ginger Phoong Jin Zhe, Sabah Sports Council and Sabah Sports Board for their support,” he said.
