Qi Yi (third from right) and runners-up receiving their prizes from Mustapha (left) and Chai (right).
EVEN cramps could not stop teenage triathlete Yap Qi Yi from clinching the men’s title in the National Duathlon Champion-ship in Bandar Sri Sendayan near Seremban, Negri Sembilan.
The challenging race involved a 5km run, 20km bike leg and a 2.5km run to the finish line.
The teen from Kuala Lumpur said the bike leg was the toughest as he had to speed up fast.
“I trained for six months and am glad that I won first place despite suffering a cramped right calf,” he said.
Athletes giving their all in the Malaysia Youth Championship Super Sprint.
The National Duathlon Championship was among the highlights of the inaugural Matrix Duathlon organised by Bandar Sri Sendayan developer Matrix Concepts Holdings Bhd (MCHB).
Open to both pro and amateur athletes, the two-day sporting showcase featured several other races.
They included the Malaysia Youth Championship Super Sprint (2km-10km-1km) and Matrix Duathlon Mixed Relay (10km-40km-5km), as well as non-competitive family relay and children’s duathlon.
Also putting in a stellar show was 21-year-old Ng Wen May from Selangor who clinched the women’s title in the National Duathlon Championship.
Wen May, who has competed in duathlons and triathlons since 2019, said the cheers from the crowd kept her going.
“It was quite a smooth race, and the route was nice too.”
Qi Yi and Wen May each took home a RM700 cash prize, a trophy and a finisher’s medal in the duathlon which was sanctioned by Malaysia Triathlon Association.
In the Malaysia Youth Championship Super Sprint, 15-year-old Ryan Chen Shi Wei emerged champion in the male category while Dhanealakshmi Selvadurai, 14, bagged the top place in the female category.
Over 1,000 athletes from Singapore, Myanmar, Japan, Australia, Austria, the United Kingdom and Poland took part with their Malaysian counterparts.
Negri Sembilan youth and sports development committee chairman Mustapha Nagoor, who presented the main prizes, said sporting events, apart from promoting healthy living, helped spur economic growth.
“Negri Sembilan was chosen as the venue as we have the infrastructure to host events like this, which could attract local and international tourists.”
Applauding the athletes, Mustapha said that while winning was important, sportsmanship was even more vital as it promoted positive values like discipline and teamwork.
He expressed hope that more such sporting events would be held in the state.
Echoing Mustapha’s sentiments, MCHB chief executive officer Chai Keng Wai said sports was key in maintaining a healthy body and mind.
“Beyond the thrill of the race, we are here to celebrate making healthier choices and building friendships.
“It is not about competition. It is about cheering each other on and sharing in the joy of achieving something together,” he said.
Chai said MCHB took pride in organising events that went beyond the ordinary to make life better for the community.
“Today is about celebrating every step and pedal, and the spirit that makes our community stand out,” he added.
