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11th February, 2019
By UMESH RAJAN
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s strongwoman, Joyce Heng Shu Xia ran away with the Women’s Open title at the Siam Strongman Classic held at Bangkok, Thailand on Sunday.
The 32-year-old capped off a sensational first few weeks of the month with the international title to go alongside her domestic victory last week at the Tuaran Golden Lake Strongmen/women Challenge.
She scored a total of 41 points from four disciplines contested to win her first international event of 2019 by a comfortable eight points over her closest challengers which also featured another Malaysian.
Joyce recorded scores in all four disciplines as mentioned; Yoke Walk (170kg – 20m) in 7 seconds, Car Deadlift (240kg) – 11 reps, Loading Race 10m (45kg Keg / 40kg Sandbag / 60kg Duck Walk) – 25 seconds and finally Hercules Hold (20kg per hand) – 1 minute and 27 seconds.
The Kota Kinabalu lass brought home the main prize of 20,000 Thai Bhat (RM2,588) cash plus trophy and medal.
When contacted, an ecstatic Joyce described her recent victory as incredible.
“It is an amazing event and walking away as the champion for the Women’s Open, I could not be more proud of myself with this achievement as I dedicate this win to both Sabah and Malaysia.
“I have been preparing for this event since the end of last year and my hard work paid off with this victory which is important as I seek to achieve more in my career.
“I could not have made it without the guidance and help from my mentor Suthida Theerakhawong and Coach Takashi Ishihara as well as support from my loved one, families and friends,” she said.
Joyce then stated that she will take some time off to rest competitively before preparing herself for the biggest international strongwomen competition in her career so far.
“I have qualified and at the same time invited to compete in the 2019 Static Monsters World Championships at Gold Coast Queensland in Australia on June 15.
“As I am the only Malaysian competing, I will train and prepare myself to my utmost best condition before heading over to the land down under in my first major event,” she said excitedly.
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