Rookies rock the competition

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THE rookies from the VAT69 Juniors based in Ulu Kinta, Perak chalked up a perfect debut at the inaugural Young Endurance Athletes (YEA) race at the public pool in Putrajaya recently.

Despite joining the fray without previous experience in the multi-event competition, they went on to stamp their mark by emerging champions in all the three age-groups - Under-Nine, Under-12 and Under-15. For the Under-15 section, it was a neck-and-neck race after the final transition with three frontrunners fighting for a better finish.

However, Mohd Firdaus Kamis produced a strong finish on the final 2.5km running leg and ruined the trio’s quest for the top spot.

Race is on: The participants in the Under-Nine age-group moving out from the transition area.

After the 10km cycling segment, the 15-year-old Firdaus was trailing behind in fourth position.

The SMK Ulu Kinta student realised that he needs to improve on his swimming to become a more accomplished triathlete.

“We have only trained at the pool once to prepare for the meet. The 400m swim was the toughest. But, I knew that I could close the gap in the final leg of the race. I felt very comfortable after the cycling to surge ahead for the lead,” said Firdaus, adding that he aspires to complete the Ironman distance in the future.

And it was a forgone conclusion when Firdaus went ahead and kept his challengers at bay with an impressive pace to the finish line.

In addition, the SK Pasukan Polis Hutan duo of Mohd Naimmi Abdul Aziz and Mohd Fadli Mazlan were also winners in the Under-Nine and Under-12 categories respectively.

Creating waves: The participants trying to get a good head start at the pool.

YEA chairman Mjr Kalam Pie said they were delighted with the good turnout of more than 100 participants.

“Putrajaya is an ideal venue for a weekend outing with the family. About 50 volunteers including parents assisted us to run the event. It was not that taxing on us to control the traffic and ensure the safety of the young participants,” he added.

The beginners were also given an introduction to the endurance sports combining three disciplines - swim, cycle and run - in a coaching clinic on the eve of the race day.

“Our aim is to create a comprehensive programme for the youngsters to learn about triathlon. We want to set them on the right direction through active participation in a healthy pursuit,” Kalam said.

For next season, they are planning to include another youth programme for the older age-group as part of their development programme.

RESULTS

- Under-Nine: 1. Mohd Naimmi Abdul Aziz 15:01; 2. Yik Yuk San 15:03; 3. Sherman Giam 19:18

- Under-12: 1. Mohd Fadli Mazlan 15:01; 2. Nur Iman Sofia Zulkarnain 15:03; 3. Fredric Mann 19:18

- Under-15: 1. Mohd Firdaus Kamis 25:37; 2. Ho Kok Yang 25:47; 3. Edwin Thiang 26:16