Musclewoman presents WBPF World win as gift for dad’s birthday
KUCHING (Nov 10): It was a triumphant moment for Philomena Dexclyn Siar upon being announced champion of the Ladies Sport Physique Age Over-35 Class at the 15th World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports (WBPF) World Championships, in Addu City of the Republic of Maldives.
The 41-year-old digital administrative officer from Kuching edged the competition from fellow top finalists, Simara Chumchuen of Thailand and Nyamzul Zaijid of Mongolia to clinch the gold medal on Day 2 of the competition last Saturday.
Earlier, Philomena grabbed the silver medal from the Women’s Sport Physique 165cm category, where she was up against the winner Wong Ka Yuk of Hong Kong and Chumchuen.
“I was so surprised, as the competition was really tight this year. Still, I am thankful for being able to win my first WBPF World’s gold and silver medals.
“Last year in South Korea, I got bronze,” she told The Borneo Post here via WhatsApp.
Adding on, Philomena dedicated her win as a gift to her father, Siar Manyus, who will turn 69 this Tuesday (Nov 12).
“He is my pillar of strength. I’m so thankful to be able to present to him my medals for his special day,” she added.
Philomena, along with Dr Malvern Abdullah and Azri Asmat Sefri, are the Sarawakians among the 15-member Malaysian contingent at the Maldives outing.
The national athletes staged a very commendable performance this year, collecting three gold, three silver and two bronze medals from the championships.
Apart from Philomena, Ahmad Faiz Ariffin and Zmarul Al Adam Pulutan Abdullah also claimed the gold medals from their respective categories, Men’s Athletics Physique Up To 175cm and Men’s Bodybuilding 85kg.
The other silver medallists are Malvern (Men’s Athletics Physique Up To 160cm) and Amin Rasuad Sidek (Men’s Bodybuilding 65kg), while the bronze medallists are Azri (Men’s Bodybuilding 55kg) and Nazri Pulong (Men’s Bodybuilding Masters Age 40-49 Up To 80kg).
The Top 5 finalists are Mohd Faizal Mat Rashid (Men’s Sports Physique Up To 170cm) and Meilaura Dora Jimmy (Women’s Bodybuilding 55kg).
However, Muhamad Shaiful Hisyam Abd Aziz did not make the cut for the Men’s Sports Physique Up To 175cm final.
The Malaysian team manager is Major Syed Fairus Syed Ali, assisted by Abdul Karim Abdullah, with Datuk Mohd Syarul Azman Mahen Abdullah and Buda Anchah coming in as coaches, and Zaidi Ahmad as a judge.
Staged on the Canareef Resort Maldives, the international tournament hosted over 500 athletes and officials representing 55 countries.
-Agency
