KUCHING: A timely switch from handball to hammer throw paid off handsomely for Pahang's Nurul Aiyani Kamaluddin, who clinched a gold medal at the Malaysia Games today.
The 18-year-old initially thought she had been selected for handball by the Pahang Malaysia Sports School, but to her surprise, she was directed towards hammer throw instead.
Her coach believed she had the perfect build for the sport.
"I started hammer throw in Form 1. It wasn't my choice, but a coach suggested it because he thought I had the right size for the sport," said Nurul Aiyani.
"My first throw was terrible because I knew nothing about hammer throw. I wasn't even aware of the sport. It was only after joining the Pahang Malaysia Sports School that I picked it up.
"I initially thought I was entering the sports school for handball, but it turned out to be for throwing."
Earlier today, the Raub-born athlete secured the hammer throw gold with a winning toss of 44.28m.
Perlis' Nur Salsabila Zamsairon took silver with a throw of 44.10m, while Sarawak's Ailenna Thipong Laga claimed bronze with 42.04m.
Nurul Aiyani was satisfied with her debut performance, particularly as she outperformed her longtime rival, Nur Salsabila.
"Today, I felt like I couldn't beat her. We've been competing against each other since the Malaysian Schools Sports Council competition. However, last year, I managed to beat her," Nurul Aiyani said.
"I've been doing weight training to strengthen my legs and arms. I tried to spin faster during my throws, which eventually led to my victory."
Meanwhile, Penang's Sriven Tan successfully defended his gold medal in the men's 10,000m walk event, finishing in 48 minutes and 18.11 seconds.
His teammate Aiman Haikal Sahrudin came in second with a time of 48:23.69, while Federal Territories' Khor Jing Hong took bronze, crossing the line in 48:54.29.