SELANGOR: Fraidden Dawan’s Para SUKMA journey that began in 2004 is coming to an end on a high note, with the veteran swimmer collecting five golds and a silver in his farewell campaign.
The 100m backstroke S10 gold was his latest triumph, with Fraidden clocking 1:20.41 at Selangor Aquatic Centre today (Sept 9) to finish ahead of Sabah’s Lyksther Elvenzo Oswald, who took silver in 1:31.77, while Selangor’s Tharan Arjuun Ganas settled for bronze in 1:34.61.
The victory brought Fraidden’s medal tally at the Games to six — five golds and one silver, with the silver coming in the 100m breaststroke.
His gold-medal haul also included victories in the 100m freestyle, 100m backstroke and 100m butterfly, as well as 4×100’ medley relay and 4x100m freestyle events.
For Fraidden, however, the impressive haul carries a deeper meaning as he prepares to bring his Para SUKMA career to a close after more than two decades.
“I started in 2004 and have continued until now. This is my last one,” he told reporters at the tournament venue.
The 40-year-old said the Games in Selangor would be his final appearance, with a new age limit expected to come into effect at the next edition in Kelantan.
“This is my last contribution. There won’t be another one,” he said.
Despite closing this chapter of his sporting career, Fraidden leaves behind a long and successful journey that has seen him represent Sarawak at Para SUKMA across different editions.
His final campaign has provided a fitting conclusion, with six medals adding another golden chapter to a career that began more than 20 years ago.
