Bonnat's inspiration to compete at the Olympic Games came after watching fellow Dominicans Felix Sanchez and Luguelin Santos win medals at the 2012 London Games. Initially, he wanted to pursue athletics but found the track crowded. He tried various sports like baseball, taekwondo, wrestling, and karate but did not stick with any for more than three months.

Coaching and Achievements

Under the guidance of national coaches Hector Dominguez, Moreno Martinez, and Luis Silva, Bonnat made significant strides in weightlifting. His most memorable sporting achievement came during the 2019 season. Despite injuring his left hamstring at the 2019 Pan American Championships in Guatemala City, he won bronze in the 81kg clean and jerk and silver in both snatch lift and combined total score.

Overcoming Injuries and Illness

Bonnat's resilience was evident when he recovered from his hamstring injury within two months to compete at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru. There, he secured a silver medal in the 81kg category. Additionally, he overcame a severe health challenge in 2017 when diagnosed with Meckel's diverticulum. After undergoing surgery that removed about one metre of his intestines, he returned to win gold in the 85kg category at the 2018 Central American and Caribbean Games in Barranquilla, Colombia.

Milestones and Philosophy

Bonnat made history by becoming the first male Dominican lifter to win a medal at the Pan American Games in the 81kg category. This category was introduced by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) just a year prior. His sporting philosophy is rooted in perseverance: "No matter how hard and difficult your situation may seem, don't give up, make one last attempt."

Future Ambitions

Looking ahead, Bonnat aims to win a medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. His goal is to become the first Dominican weightlifter to achieve this feat. With his track record of overcoming obstacles and achieving significant milestones, Bonnat's ambitions seem well within reach.

Bonnat's journey from being spotted by a coach in Bayaguana to aiming for Olympic glory is a testament to his dedication and resilience. His story continues to inspire many aspiring athletes in the Dominican Republic and beyond.