The Cambodian jet ski team have dedicated their medal-winning performance at recent world championship event to Prime Minister Hun Manet.
They claimed four gold, four silver and one bronze medal at round two of the Water Jet World Series 2023, held at Lake Havasu City in the US’ Arizona state from October 4-8.
They described their gratefulness to the new leader of Cambodia for continuing to lead the country with peace, and declared that they wanted to pay tribute to him via their incredible performances.
Saly Ou Moeut, who led the team of five to the event, made the announcement as they arrived home to Phnom Penh International Airport on October 24. The team was given a warm welcome by members of the public and several sporting federations.
“I thank Prime Minister Hun Manet, our leader. We dedicate our victories to him to as a gesture of thanks for leading the country in peace, which enables our athletes to raise our flag abroad. Our nation is small, but our heart is big, and this is what drove us to claim medals at the event, which was contested by 30 countries,” he said.
Ou Moeut said their victories had raised eyebrows among the mostly American spectators, as his relatively inexperienced team had defeated many rivals from much larger countries, and beaten many racers who are considered old hands at the sport.
“I am the leader and chief instructor of the team. Our team members are young, but they have incredible skills. I have worked hard to share my experiences from previous competitions with them. I am constantly motivating them to stay focused and stay strong, in order to bring fame to the Kingdom, and prove to the world that Cambodians can do it,” he added.
The team were absent from the first round of the world series, held in Poland in May, as they were competing at home in the 32nd SEA Games. During their home event, they claimed one gold, one silver and two bronzes for the Kingdom.
They attended the second round, held in France in late July, bringing home a haul of two golds, one silver and a bronze.
The final round of the world series will take place in Thailand from December 13-17, with the Cambodian racers confident of more golden results.
