From historic wins to impressive debuts, Southeast Asian athletes make a mark at Paris 2024
In the past fortnight, the world of sport has found itself thrust into the dazzling limelight, captivating a global audience with its dramatic flair. Although the grandeur of one of the planet’s most spectacular events has now moved into the annals of history, the echoes of its brilliance linger vividly.
Athletic triumphs and stirring moments have been immortalised in our collective memory, celebrated with fervour.
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games redefined tradition in a breath-taking spectacle, as athletes glided past the iconic River Seine, offering a refreshing departure from the familiar confines of stadiums. This innovative twist has not only captured imaginations but has also set a new benchmark in the celebration of athleticism.
BRUNEI’S OLYMPIAN GRIT
This year’s Olympics, marking a return to European soil for the first time since London 2012, saw Brunei Darussalam make its mark through the spirited performances of swimmers Hayley Wong Ann Yue and Zeke Chan Zhi Yue, alongside sprinter Muhammad Noor Firdaus Ar-Rasyid bin Haji Muhammad Idris.
For Hayley Wong and Zeke Chan, the Paris Games were a thrilling debut on the Olympic stage, a momentous occasion after leading their respective divisions throughout the past year. Hayley made a splash in the 50-metre (m) freestyle, clocking in a commendable 28.52 seconds to secure second place in her heats.
Meanwhile, Zeke competed in the 100m backstroke, registering a time of 1:00.38 seconds.
The spotlight also shone brightly on Muhammad Noor Firdaus Ar-Rasyid, Brunei’s leading sprinter, who graced the 100m event with a season-best time of 10.86 seconds.
Although none of the athletes progressed to the next rounds, their performances were a testament to their immense talent, grit, and unyielding determination – qualities that embody both their national pride and the Olympic spirit.
Returning home, these athletes carry with them a wealth of experience and an unshakeable resolve. Their journey through the Paris 2024 Games is just the beginning, as they set their sights on future tournaments with renewed vigour and ambition.
SOUTHEAST ASIA’S RISING STARS
Beyond the fervour of national pride, the Paris Games offered a canvas of sporting brilliance that captured the imagination of the global audience. Amidst the elite athletes competing for glory, the triumphs of Southeast Asian nations stood out as particularly captivating.
Leading the way was the Philippines, which wrote a new chapter in Olympic history. Gymnast Carlos Yulo dazzled with his floor exercise and vault routines, clinching two gold medals in a single Games.
While Yulo’s stature as a two-time world champion precedes him, his achievements on this stage marked a rare and cherished success for Southeast Asia. His victories came in quick succession, making him the first Filipino to secure multiple golds in a single Olympics and following Hidilyn Diaz’s weightlifting triumph in Tokyo 2020.
Yet, the region’s story did not end with Yulo. Indonesia also made a significant impact, with Veddriq Leonardo scaling new heights in sport climbing and Rizki Juniansyah lifting the gold in weightlifting. The country also celebrated a bronze medal in badminton through Gregoria Mariska Tunjung, adding to their impressive haul.
The Philippines further bolstered its Olympic credentials with Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio, both securing bronze medals in boxing across different weight categories.
Meanwhile, Thailand emerged as a powerhouse, with taekwondo star Panipak Wongpattanakit defending her title in the under-49kg division and Kunlavut Vitidsarn securing silver in men’s singles badminton, narrowly missing out to the reigning champion Viktor Axelsen.
Thailand’s weightlifters, Theerapong Silachai and Weerapon Wichuma, also added silver to their nation’s tally, while Janjaem Suwannapheng and Surodchana Khambao contributed bronzes in boxing and weightlifting.
The Philippines, despite falling just short of the podium in golf and pole vault, led Southeast Asia in medals with a total of two golds and two bronzes, earning them the distinction of the region’s most decorated nation.
Malaysia added to the Southeast Asian success story with bronze medals in badminton, with Lee Zii Jia and the men’s doubles team of Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik.
Singapore, ending an eight-year wait for a podium finish, saw teenage kitesurfer Maximilian Maeder clinch bronze in the formula kite event, coming close to securing the nation’s first gold since Joseph Schooling’s win in Rio.
In the dynamic medley of the Paris Games, Southeast Asia’s athletes shone brightly, their achievements a reflection of their talent, determination, and the ever-expanding reach of their sporting prowess. – Fadhil Yunus
