KOTA KINABALU: In his heyday, Justine Sompong swept up almost every honour in Asian bodybuilding, though his name may not ring any bells to those outside the sport.
In the 1980s, however, Sompong was a household name. He made state and country proud, particularly after lifting the Mr Asia bodybuilding title in 1985.
The Kota Belud-born has since muscled his way to various other international and national accolades, inspiring a new generation of bodybuilders today who are keen in following the footsteps of the once mighty Sabahan.
But Sompong, now aged 68, may just be fighting the biggest battle of his life yet after suffering multiple strokes since July.
Flexing biceps and triceps are the cornerstones of the sport but the wheelchair-bound bodybuilder could not even move the right side of his body, let alone his arms, after the latest and most severe stroke in August.
Kulkarni Jastine, 46, the eldest of four children, said his speech was significantly impeded to the extent they had to bring an alphabet board to communicate with their father.
“But he’s recovering well since that episode in August and recovering faster than expected, but yes, this is the toughest battle for him.
“From not being able to sit up and his right side not being able to move, he can now stand up, although still not able to walk, and his speech is improving each day where we can now converse with him to some extent.
“The first month was really tough because he was still in shock and was emotional, but after that it seems his fighting spirit is back and stronger than ever so that he can get back on his feet,” he told FMT.
Kulkarni said his father was even doing his own exercises such as pulling up his body and lifting his legs so his limbs would grow stronger, adding the family also helped to massage his muscles.
Now, Sompong is back on track on the road to recovery, primarily motivated by his love of the sport besides playing with his nine grandchildren. And, of course, he misses his friends too.
His healing is also encouraged by the visits from friends and fans including state leaders such as Deputy Chief Minister Jeffrey Kitingan and state Youth and Sports Minister Ellron Angin.
“The visits help because he feels the people remember him – it’s touching actually to see him fired up because of it. He now wants to be able to go out again and meet his friends,” Kulkarni said.
Sompong owns two gyms in Papar and Tuaran where Kulkarni and his younger brother Kuljavanie help run. Both are emulating their father’s footsteps in competitive bodybuilding.
Besides the 1985 Mr Asia title, Sompong was also named Sabah sportsman the same year, which according to Kulkarni was the only time a bodybuilder had achieved the feat in the state.
The veteran bodybuilder had also won the Mr Asean competition the following year in Johor besides taking home the Bantam and Lightweight titles at the Mr Malaysia competitions in 1986, 1988, 1990 and 1995.
In 1990, he clinched the Best Poser award at the Mr Asia tourney. He represented Malaysia as well at the Mr Universe in 1986 in Sweden, 1987 (Japan) and 1990 (Kuala Lumpur).
Sompong retired not long after that but was hired by Brunei Darussalam as its national bodybuilding coach from 1991 to 1994.
“He loves the sport and keeps giving back to it. In fact, when he suffered the second stroke he was actually resting outside the gym after a training session,” Kulkarni said.
He is grateful Sompong was present by his side whenever he was competing.
“Although the last one or two years were mostly consulting on nutrition and development, every time there is a competition, my dad is around.
“We are trying to keep his legacy alive … the two gyms have been producing champions over the years. Many of our bodybuilders went on to represent the state and I believe about 60% of Sabahan bodybuilders are from our gym.”
But of course, the family is hoping Sompong makes a complete turnaround and is up and about doing what he does best these days – training people to be champion bodybuilders.