Malaysia's Bonnie Bunyau Gustin produced a spectacular show of strength to break the world record for the men's over-72kg category at the Fazza Dubai Para Powerlifting World Cup in the United Arab Emirates yesterday.
Bonnie blew his rivals away by lifting 230kg. Silver medallist Peng Hu of China could only lift 214kg while bronze medallist Nnamdi Innocent of Nigeria recorded 213kg.
Bonnie's feat erased the previous mark of 229kg set by Iran's Roohallah Rostami at the 2018 Asian Para Games in Indonesia.
This is Bonnie's second straight win, having delivered the gold medal in the same category at the World Para Powerlifting World Cup in Bangkok on May 7.
In Bangkok, the 22-year-old Kuching-born Bonnie won gold with a lift of 226kg while 2012 London Paralympic winner Nader Moradi (204kg) of Iran took silver. Alexandr Daskov (140kg) of Kazakhstan finished third.
Meanwhile, Bonnie's amazing feat has caught the attention of Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, who tweeted his congratulations.
"Amazing! Gold and a new world record!
"Congratulations Bonnie Gustin on this proud achievement. This is the power of our athletes. The power of Malaysian athletes!" --Bernama