THE pain was there but wushu exponent Loh Choon How bit his lips and went through his routine yesterday.
The Malaysian was rewarded with winning his second gold medal, the men’s taijijian, at the Philippines Sea Games.
He got a 9.68 score from the judges, ahead of Filipino Jones Llabres (9.65, silver) and Brunei’s Hosea Wong (9.60, bronze).
Choon How revealed that he first suffered the back injury three months ago and he fully recovered. But it flared up just after he won the taijiquan at the World Trade Centre in Manila on Sunday. It was Malaysia’s first gold of the Sea Games.
“My back injury flared up after my event on Sunday, and it was quite painful,” said Choon How.
“I was treated by National Sports Insititute (officials) and it did help to relieve a bit. I really did not expect to win another gold today. I had only wanted to manage the pain and finish the event.
“My performance was quite routine today but I did not make any mistakes. I was really happy when the marks were announced.”
In winning two gold in Manila, Choon How emulated the two-gold feat of his idol, Loh Jack Chang, at the 2017 Kuala Lumpur Sea Games.
He is, however, determined to be his own man.
“Jack is my idol. He often gives me advice whenever we meet. I would like to achieve what he has done but in my own way... I am Loh Choon How.”
Meanwhile, Chuah Shangyang (18.870) finished seventh in the men’s combined nandao-nangun event while Yeap Wai Kin came in fifth (9.62) in the men’s daoshu.