KUCHING: Mirian rugby athlete, Valerie Juan has won the coveted Malaysian Polytechnic Sportswoman of the Year for her stunning display of athleticism and dedication in her sport.
The 21-year-old Politeknik METrO Betong Sarawak (PMBS) student was awarded the title along with a cash prize of RM3,000, a gleaming trophy and a certificate of achievement at the Polytechnic Sports Excellence Award 2024 (PolySEA) held at a hotel in Langkawi, Kedah on Feb 13.
In a recent interview with Sarawak Tribune, Valerie shared her elation on winning and emphasised the support from her teammates, parents and coach have all played pivotal roles in her journey.
“I am deeply grateful to my parents Juan Sedai and Agnes Utik who have always been by my side with their unwavering support – teammates, and my coach, Rosli Rais, who has also consistently supported me behind the scenes.
“And also how thankful I am to my coach, Sylvia Alexander Lian, for her encouragement since I first started playing rugby.
“Their help was nothing short but instrumental in guiding me to this point,” said the 21st Malaysia Games (SUKMA) athlete, who also shared her heartfelt thanks to manager Faqrul Hafiz Abu Bakar.
Rugby, a sport that has profoundly shaped Valerie’s life, has helped develope her discipline, both on and off the field.
“Having played the sport since I was 15, rugby has not only tested my mental fortitude, but it has also taught me resilience in every aspect of my life.
“It has made me stronger and more determined to soar higher,” she added.
Beyond personal growth, the sport has also provided financial relief, easing the burden on her parents – lessening the financial strain on her family
“The earnings from playing rugby have allowed me to support myself while studying, lessening the financial strain on my family,” she added.
Some of the athlete’s proudest moments was when she represented Sarawak for SUKMA XXI in the 7s rugby sporting event where they settled for Silver after losing against Selangor.
Following her display of athleticism in the sporting event, she was selected to join Bunga Raya 7s, Malaysia’s rugby national team with the opportunity to compete in the SEA Games 2025, slated to take place in Thailand.
“Looking ahead, my goal is to elevate my game to a higher level once I graduate later this year. I am committed to refining my stamina and improving my strategies to take my performance to the next level,” the budding rugby athlete remarked.
