In part 2 of this inspiring series of three notable women in society who have penned to their younger selves, Malaysia’s professional 10-pin bowler and four-time Asian No. 1 Shalin Zulkifli looks back on her journey to becoming a national athlete and her most cherished moments along the way.
Dear Shalin,
When I look back now, I feel very blessed. Blessed because if you only knew how much you have achieved from all your hard work, resilience, patience, determination and passion for bowling. I sincerely do not know how you were able to be so single minded in your goals of becoming world’s best.
At that time, I remember you never questioning the sleepless nights, the blisters & the long 2-hour journey to Asia Jaya to train. The heavy backpack because you had to bring your training clothes with you to school. The long walks to the bus stations, having to take 3 different busses to school and to your training centre by yourself at 10 because your parents were working.
People see the glory and glamour now, but there were a lot of tears and sweat behind it.
I have been a national athlete for more than 25 years now, and a certified coach too for the last 15 years or so, and it’s hard to find kids now that are willing to do even 10% of what you did at your age. Remember how you and your teammates would bowl at times for more than 20 games a day, twice daily? To this day people still wonder what made you who you are now. Your X Factor.
National Champion at 14 years old. A record that still stands today. A blessing from Allah for all your hard work. However because of that early success too, it was hard for you to find true friends. I feel sorry for you because at that young an age, you had a bullseye on your back. So many people with ill intentions who wanted to see you fail but you refused to give in or give up!
I salute you.
A lot of people think you had an easy life, if only they knew. Nonetheless, because of all the sacrifice and hardships you went through, you had the strength to overcome a lot of hurdles that were thrown your way later in life. People see the glory and glamour now, but there were a lot of tears and sweat behind it. You are so blessed to have achieved, won and contributed to the sport of bowling in Malaysia and the world.
