KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's very own 'Pocket Hercules', Bonnie Bunyau Gustin, will finally make his dream a reality, building a new home in his hometown, Serian, Sarawak, after receiving a RM1.02 million windfall under the National Incentive Scheme (Shakam) on Friday.
Bonnie earned his reward for clinching the men's 72kg powerlifting gold at last month's Paris Paralympics.
The down-to-earth 25-year-old says this milestone, achieved in Paris, holds even more meaning as it allows him to fulfil his dream of constructing a house in Sarawak.
Bonnie, unparalleled in his weight category, made history as Malaysia's first powerlifting gold medalist at the Tokyo Olympics.
In Paris, he overcame a troublesome shoulder strain to defend his title, lifting 232kg to break his own world record (previously 231kg).
The lift also earned him an extra RM20,000 on top of the RM1 million reward given for Olympic or Paralympic gold.
"This win at the Paris Paralympics is especially memorable. I plan to use the incentive to build a new home in my hometown of Serian," said Bonnie.
"I haven't decided on the size or design yet, but the dream is taking shape."
Bonnie's future home will become a family hub for his powerlifting kin once completed. His family boasts a unique record in the sport, with Bonnie, his father Gustin Jenang, and older brother Bryan Junancey Gustin all competed together at the 2017 Asean Para Games in Kuala Lumpur.
His younger brother, Brownson John, 15, has also recently taken up powerlifting, continuing the family legacy.
Building a new house is sure to delight his parents, including his mother, Evylen Gelagar, as the family's passion for powerlifting continues to yield rewards. Yet Bonnie is aware he's likely at the midpoint of his career, setting his sights on even more achievements.
His next goal is to capture a fourth world title at next year's championships in Egypt.
"I can't call myself the greatest para powerlifter just yet. There are others who are stronger," Bonnie admitted.
"But I feel confident in my 72kg category. My immediate focus is on winning the world title in Egypt before aiming for a third Paralympic gold in 2028."
The nickname 'Pocket Hercules' was first made famous by Turkish weightlifting legend Naim Suleymanoglu, a three-time Olympic champion (Seoul 1988, Barcelona 1992, Atlanta 1996) and a multiple world record holder in the men's sub-60kg and 64kg categories.
Despite standing only 1.47 metres, Suleymanoglu earned global acclaim, lifting three times his body weight.
In a similar fashion, Bonnie has stunned the world with his feats in Paris, making him truly deserving of the moniker 'Malaysian Pocket Hercules.'