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13th July, 2012
KOTA KINABALU: Yong Chee Ken is being modest about his expectations when he takes part in the 43rd edition of the Mr Malaysia Bodybuilding Championship 2012, which will be held at the Star City Conference and Events Centre in Asia City here on July 13 and 14.
The four-time Mr Sabah winner is just hoping to make it into the top five in his category – the middleweight.
Inanam-born Yong when met yesterday, said: “I did not compete the whole of last year due to a knee injury. So I think I have to be modest about my target because I don’t really know my opponents.”
The former State weightlifter is one of the hulksters the Sabah Bodybuilding Association (SBBA) is pinning their hopes on to deliver medals.
Yong, 29, who made his Mr Malaysia debut in 2005, will be making his seventh appearance in the national level championship.
His best achievement was winning a silver medal. He achieved the feat three times, twice in the middleweight category and once in the light-heavyweight in (2007, 2008 and 2010).
A glimpse into Yong’s background, physical activity has always been a major part of life for the Kota Kinabalu City Hall enforcement officer.
“I have been lifting weights after leaving school and I have been doing it until today. I like to do something that is rough and tough,” said Yong, who started with weightlifting before turning to bodybuilding in 2005.
Yong, who won the Mr Sabah title in 2006, 07, 08 and 2010, said he has been training regularly all year round and will double his training schedule as the championship is getting nearer.
He also thanked his employer – the City Hall – for giving him the support in pursuing the sport he loves.
“They have been very understanding and supportive of me. I sincerely would like to say thank you. At the same time, I also thank some of my sponsors for their generosity. Their support has eased my burden a little, especially financially,” said Yong.
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