KUCHING: It was a moment of great joy for Ong Shih Ling upon being announced a winner at the annual Mr Borneo 2024 Bodybuilding Championship, held at the Penampang Cultural Centre in Kota Kinabalu on Saturday.
The 40-year-old car workshop owner from here outperformed her competitors in the Women’s Model Physique Open category to claim the gold medal, trophy and cash prize.
The respective first to third runners-up were Sabahans, namely Sherly Lonios, Irene Binjuin and Debra James Leonard.
The Kota Kinabalu feat was a meaningful one for Ong, following her win at this year’s Mr Sarawak, held in Sibu, Sarawak in June.
“It has been quite an arduous journey for me this year, given the wide time gap between the competitions.
“This Mr Borneo Women’s title really tops it all, given that the women’s category was snubbed in Mr Malaysia 2024, which was really disappointing because I was really looking forward to it after winning at Mr Sarawak.
“It was a gruelling period between June and December as the slightest error in my diet and training regimen could really make everything go off the rails.
“Still, I’m so happy with this (Mr Borneo) win – every hard work paid off. Most likely, I’m taking a short break from bodybuilding after this to rest and recover,” said Ong in a statement issued by Kuching Division Bodybuilding Association (KDBBA) yesterday (Dec 8).
Ong also attributed her success to training partner Tina Nubib, as well as Charles Luanga Uyong, Daryl Aaron Bawood and her other close friends at Alpha Gym in Northbank Kota Samarahan.
“My gratitude also goes to the friends at Buda Gym and Kuching Division Bodybuilding Association for their support and motivation.
“I would have given up if they didn’t continue to push me. This win is also dedicated to them.”
Mr Borneo 2024 hosted over 100 bodybuilding athletes representing the Borneo regions of Sabah, Sarawak, Federal Territory of Labuan, and Brunei.
Organised by Sabah State Bodybuilding Association (SSBA), with support from Sabah State Sports Council and Sabah Tourism Board, this year’s inter-regional competition held six closed (only for Sabah athletes) categories, and four open categories.
Muhammad Al-Akif Elias of Brunei lifted the coveted ‘Champion of Champions’ trophy, in the showdown held after he won the Men’s Bodybuilding Above-70kg Open category.
Meanwhile, Sherly and fellow Sabahan, EeelixeJoumin, took home the subsidiary ‘Best Poser’ awards.
According to SSBA deputy president Alik Makim, the bodybuilding championship has been tagged as among the annual programmes listed on Sabah’s calendar of events.
