KUCHING: Sarawak’s weightlifting team is banking on not just strength, but also discipline, technical refinement and mental preparation, as they intensify preparations for the upcoming Malaysia Games (SUKMA) in Selangor.
Head coach, Jonathan Patrick, said the current squad has embraced a more holistic approach to training, with greater focus on long-term athlete development rather than simply lifting heavier weights.
“This team has a stronger culture of discipline and commitment. The athletes are more willing to learn, embrace sports science, and support one another.
“We have also placed greater emphasis on long-term athlete development, technical refinement and mental preparation, rather than focusing only on lifting heavier weights,” he told Sarawak Tribune.
Preparations have been progressing according to plan, with the athletes currently in the final phase of intensive training focusing on strength, technique, competition strategy, and recovery ahead of SUKMA.
The squad comprises eight men and eight women selected after a series of performance evaluations and competitions, following an initial long list of potential athletes.
Sarawak’s weightlifters will compete at Dewan Seri Cempaka, Majlis Perbandaran Kajang (MPKJ), from August 16 to 20.
“The biggest challenge has been ensuring our athletes maintain consistency throughout the preparation period while managing fatigue and avoiding injuries.
“We also need to balance high-intensity training with adequate recovery so that everyone peaks at the right time for SUKMA,” he added.
Jonathan said every athlete had earned their place in the team through hard work and dedication, declining to single out individual medal hopefuls.
Instead, he urged Sarawakians to rally behind the entire squad.
“We have several promising lifters capable of producing strong performances. Rather than placing pressure on individual athletes, I believe the entire team deserves support because every athlete has worked extremely hard to earn their place.
“We are confident they will give their very best for Sarawak,” he said.
Looking ahead at SUKMA, Jonathan said the team’s objective was for every athlete to deliver their best performance on competition day.
“If they can execute what they have been training for, the medals will follow.
“We are aiming to contribute as many medals as possible for Sarawak and make the state proud through disciplined, competitive performances,” he said.
