KUCHING: Ong Shih Ling, a 40-year-old car workshop owner from Kuching, made Sarawak proud by winning gold in the Women’s Model Physique Open category at the Mr Borneo 2024 Bodybuilding Championship. The prestigious event took place at the Penampang Cultural Centre in Kota Kinabalu on Saturday.
Ong’s victory brought her a trophy, a gold medal, and a cash prize, outperforming Sabahans Sherly Lonios, Irene Binjuin, and Debra James Leonard, who secured the first to third runner-up positions, respectively.
This achievement adds another milestone to Ong’s bodybuilding journey, following her triumph at Mr Sarawak earlier this year in Sibu. She shared her thoughts on the challenging journey to her win at Mr Borneo 2024.
“It’s been an arduous journey between June and December. Maintaining discipline in my diet and training regimen was key. Winning this title means everything to me, especially after the disappointment of the women’s category being excluded from Mr Malaysia 2024,” said Ong.
Expressing gratitude, Ong credited her success to her training partner, Tina Nubib, and friends from Alpha Gym in Northbank Kota Samarahan, as well as Buda Gym and the Kuching Division Bodybuilding Association (KDBBA). “This win is dedicated to my support system. I couldn’t have done it without them,” she added.
Organised by the Sabah State Bodybuilding Association (SSBA), the Mr Borneo 2024 championship featured over 100 athletes from Sabah, Sarawak, Labuan, and Brunei. The event hosted ten categories, including six closed categories exclusive to Sabah athletes and four open ones.
The highlight of the event was Brunei’s Muhammad Al-Akif Elias, who claimed the ‘Champion of Champions’ trophy. Sabahan athletes also shone, with Sherly Lonios and Eeelixe Joumin taking home the ‘Best Poser’ awards.
SSBA Deputy President Alik Makim praised the championship as a key event on Sabah’s sports and tourism calendar, drawing bodybuilding talent from across Borneo.
