March past, with athletes from North Borneo in Melbourne 1956 Olympic Games. It was the only Olympic appearance by the former British protectorate. The flag bearer was Gabuh Bin Piging who participated in Men's triple jump event. Courtesy National Library of Australia.
Gabuh bin Piging was one of only two athletes to represent North Borneo in the Olympics as an independent nation, and he carried the North Borneo flag at the 1956 Opening Ceremony. He was from the member state of Sabah in Malaysia. Bin Piging competed in the 1958 British Empire and Commonwealth Games, placing sixth in the triple jump and 17th in the long jump. He set several Malayan records in the triple jump, culminating with a jump of 15.38 at the 1959 Police Championships, a national record that lasted until 1986. He also broke the Malayan record in the long jump several times, posting a best mark of 7.15 at the 1962 Asian Games. In 1962 bin Piging again competed at the British Empire and Commonwealth Games, placing 10th in the triple jump and 17th in the long jump. He continued to compete into his 40s, winning the 1974 Police Championship in the triple jump. His career was in the police force, and in 2003, he was given the title of Datuk for his achievements, the equivalent of a knighthood.
Personal Bests: LJ – 7.15 (1962); TJ – 15.38 (1959).
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