US-based runner Denise Chen’s golden Malaysian homecoming
US-based distance runner Denise Chen Jie Yi has returned to Malaysia to win two gold medals at the Malaysia Games (Sukma). Despite not being at peak form, she set a new Games record in the 10,000m event.
Why it matters
The story highlights the success of diaspora athletes returning to compete in their home country's national sporting events.
Five-year-old Denise Chen Jie Yi runs alongside her father, Chen Li-Hung, at an event in the United States, long before running brought her back to Malaysia. (Denise Chen pic)
KUALA LUMPUR: At five, Denise Chen Jie Yi was already running beside her father at events in the United States. Twenty years later, she is lighting up the track in Malaysia.
The US-based distance runner has won two gold medals in two days at the Malaysia Games, or Sukma, at Universiti Putra Malaysia Stadium in Serdang.
On Wednesday, she shattered the women’s 10,000m Games record in 39:47.28, beating the previous mark of 40:37.98 set by Selangor’s Esther Joy Chen in 2024.
A day earlier, she won the 1,500m in 4:50.15, finishing more than four seconds ahead of Johor’s S Geetha.
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