‘I miss them a lot’: Leaving her daughters behind to train, para athlete from Padawan claims record-breaking APG gold

KUCHING (Jan 22): Leaving her two daughters at home was one of the hardest decisions Colorine Sijang ever made — but it paid off when the 47-year-old clinched gold in the women’s F40/F41 discus throw at the Asean Para Games (APG) Thailand 2025.

The national athlete from Kampung Mundai, Padawan, threw 12.82 metres at the His Majesty the King’s 80th Birthday Anniversary Stadium, setting a new APG record and surpassing the previous mark of 10.83m set by Thailand’s Kannikon Yaemmali at the 2022 Solo edition.

Colorine, who made her APG debut after a strong showing at Para Sukma Sarawak 2024, said she was emotional and excited by the result.

“This is my first APG. I’m emotional and excited. All the sacrifices and three months of training in Kuala Lumpur have finally paid off,” she told The Borneo Post when contacted.

She said mental resilience had been key.

“Age is not a barrier to success. Believe in yourself, stay focused, and you can achieve your dreams,” she said.

The toughest challenge, she added, was being away from her children.

“I miss them a lot… but they give me strength. During competitions, I have to focus fully on my event and their support keeps me going,” she said.

Myanmar’s Akari Chaw won silver with 12.32m, while Malaysia’s Mazzdiana Nuratasya Abd Rahim took bronze with 12.23m.

Colorine said her achievement showed that perseverance, discipline and self-belief could help anyone reach their goals, regardless of age.