At the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, the Malaysian team earned its first medal today, with sprinter Eddy Bernard clinching a bronze in the men’s 100m T44 (physical impairment) event. The race took place at the Stade de France, and Bernard’s performance marked a significant achievement for Malaysia in this prestigious international competition.
The sprinter from Sabah, competing in Lane 3, had a strong start but experienced a slight dip in momentum midway through the race. Despite this, he finished with a time of 11.58 seconds, securing the bronze medal.
This performance enabled the 23-year-old Paralympic debutant to surpass the previous Asian record of 11.75 seconds, which had been set by Sri Lanka’s Indika Gamage at the 2024 World Para Athletics Championships in Kobe, Japan, in May. Eddy also bettered his personal best of 11.77 seconds, which he had achieved while securing silver at that esteemed global event in Kobe.
In yesterday’s final, South African sprinter Mpumello Mhlongo surged to victory with a gold medal performance, finishing in 11.12 seconds. Cuba’s Yamel Luis Vives Suares secured the silver medal with a time of 11.20 seconds.
Eddy Bernard’s impressive performance at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games not only earned Malaysia its first medal but also set a new Asian record, showcasing his exceptional talent and determination. His bronze medal in the men’s 100m T44 event highlights a significant milestone for Malaysian athletics on the global stage. The 2024 Paris Paralympic Games commenced on August 28 and will continue until September 8.
Source: Free Malaysia Today
