By Ahmad Nazrin Syahmi Mohamad Arif
GLASGOW, July 31 (Bernama) -- Irene Jane Henry's sporting journey once revolved around district-level athletics, but her decision to switch from long jump to weightlifting opened a new chapter that has now taken her to the podium at the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games here.
Irene Jane, 21, never imagined she would become a weightlifter when she was first introduced to the sport at the age of 12 in 2017.
Before that, she was active in athletics, particularly the long jump, but her progress appeared to have stalled, with little opportunity to advance further.
"I have absolutely no regrets about switching from athletics to weightlifting. As a long jumper, I only competed at district level and never had the chance to go further.
"After switching to weightlifting, I finally had the opportunity to compete overseas, gain experience and see other places," she told Bernama here.
However, what began as a casual interest in weightlifting did not progress smoothly, as she temporarily stopped training due to a lack of competitions and transportation difficulties.
Irene said her school schedule also made things challenging, as she usually returned home at about 2.30 pm while training sessions began just half an hour later.
Nevertheless, her decision to resume training and competition paid off when she won the gold medal in the 45-kilogramme (kg) category at the Sabah state championships.
The victory marked a turning point in her career, with her talent nurtured in Tambunan under the guidance of district coaches Cornelius Pawon and Stephen Gampion, who is also her uncle.
The pair were among the first to recognise her potential before paving the way for her admission to Sekolah Sukan Malaysia Sabah in Kota Kinabalu in 2020.
In Kota Kinabalu, she continued her development under coach Aricco Jumitih before moving to Sekolah Sukan Bukit Jalil in Kuala Lumpur for more intensive training under national head coach Edmund Yeo and assistant head coach Mohd Norshah Rizal Ruslan.
"I never imagined I would become a weightlifter. I don't even know what made me fall so deeply in love with the sport.
"Perhaps one of the things I enjoy most is the opportunity to travel and see different places," said Irene Jane, who has competed in Singapore, Kazakhstan, India, Thailand and Scotland.
Her journey from an amateur athlete to winning the women's 48kg bronze medal at the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games has reinforced her belief that changing sports was the right decision.
In Glasgow, Irene Jane recorded a total lift of 167kg, comprising 77kg in the snatch and 90kg in the clean and jerk, finishing just one kilogramme behind Nigeria's silver medallist Ruth Asuquo Nyong.
However, Irene is not resting on her laurels, with the third of six siblings already setting her sights on a higher target at the next Commonwealth Games.
"At the next Commonwealth Games, I am targeting the silver medal. If possible, my ultimate goal is to beat Mirabai Chanu (the women's 48kg gold medallist at the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games).
"It's not that I wasn't serious in training before, but perhaps I wasn't focused enough. After this experience, I have realised that I need to give my full commitment to training," she said.
Irene Jane also described her parents, Henry Peter Muji and Roselind Joseph Dominic, as the pillars of support throughout her sporting career.
She also has one brother and two younger sisters who are involved in weightlifting, making the sport a close part of the family.
"My parents have given me the greatest support. Whenever I have a competition, they always come, and in terms of moral support, they give me 100 per cent," she said.
The following is Irene Jane Henry's profile:
Name: Irene Jane Henry
Date of birth: June 28, 2005
Primary education: Sekolah Rendah Kebangsaan St. David Toboh
Hobbies: Singing, watching documentaries
Ambition: Teacher
Sporting idol: Muhamad Aznil Bidin
Favourite food: Tuhau and her mother's cooking
-- BERNAMA