Thirty-six-year old Priscilla Rebecca Pengiran from Sarawak was one of the women contending to be ‘The Strongest’ at the Ford Fest 2024 yesterday, representing Lawas with her teammate Syhra Philip.
She first became involved with the strongman/strongwoman competitions for fun, but grew more passionate about extreme fitness activities as she learnt more techniques and skills.
“With the proper techniques and skills, you can minimise the risk of injuries,” said the Sarawak civil servant, who first competed at the Lun Bawang Festival in her hometown in June.
She felt that the sport is good for fitness and health, and sought to learn more by participating in competitions and sharing techniques with fellow women in regional and international contests.
She participated in the Brunei Ford Fest 2024 Strongest Women competition following her brother’s request, who according to her is her “strongest supporter”.
“He asked me to join to gain more experience and exposure, to interest other women back home to join the sport,” she said.
“The expenses for the training and budget to come here is more than that of the cash prize but it does not matter much as I want to focus on bringing home the title and hope to inspire and motivate other women in my hometown.”
As a civil servant, Priscilla ensures to balance her work responsibilities, training and rest.
“It is important to be strong mentally,” she said acknowledging that she is still a rookie.
“It is also important to take positive criticism from the more experienced ones.”
Twenty-two-year old Syhra also first participated in a strongwomen contest at the same Lun Bawang Festival as Priscilla.
“We are the first two female members of Luntau Strongest, the first two in our hometown to do this,” she said.
She said she is still new and young and receiving encouraging support from her friends as well as her coach.
Veteran strongwoman Effalian Ilham on the other hand, has competed in several events in Labuan.
Fitness instructor Effalian said the sport helps develop inner strength and encourages more women to take up the sport. “It builds a strong mentality,” she said.
She is among seven others from Labuan seeking to take the top prizes, adding that they underwent intensive training for the contest. – Lyna Mohamad
