His name is Jackie Wong Siew Cheer and he won the hammer gold at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Wednesday with a throw of 65.90m – a which is a new Sea Games record which also erased his own national record of 65.34m he set in the Korean Open earlier this year.
On his way to the gold Jackie new mark erased the old Sea Games record of 65.63m set by Caleb Stuart of the Philippines at the 2015 Sea Games in Singapore where he won the gold.
And there was plenty to cheer for the Sarawakian as Malaysia celebrated the hammer gold last won in 2001 – the year Malaysia also hosted the biennial games.
At the prize presentation ceremony Malaysian Athletics Federation president Datuk Karim Ibrahim, who gave away the medals, also presented RM3,000 for his efforts – RM1,000 each for the gold, a new Sea Games record and for a new national record.
“This incentives is for all athletes…RM1,000 for each gold medal won and RM1,000 each if they break the national or games record,” said Karim.
Sprinter Khairul Anuar Jantan and discus thrower Irfan Shamsuddin were also given RM1,000 each for their golden effort on Tuesday.
Jackie, who hails from Sarikei, set the record with his fourth throw after starting off with 63.04 with his first throw. Thailand’s Kittipong Boonmawan settled for the silver with a distance of 65.49m – ahead of bronze medal winner Ferrera Arniel of the Philippines (55.94m).
“This gold is special for me. I could only manage bronze in my three previous Sea Games,” said Jackie of the games in 2011 (Indonesia), 2013 (Myanmar) and 2015 (Singapore).
“I will cherish this gold because it also brought me a new Sea Games record and the national record. Triple success and I am proud of it.”
RESULT
MEN’S HAMMER (FINAL)
1. Jackie Wong Siew Cheer (Mas) 65.90m
2. Kittipong Boonmawan (Tha) 65.49m
3. Ferrera Arniel (Phi) 55.94m
