From late bloomers who only started exercising after the age of 40 to seasoned endurance athletes, a group from KL Wellness City is proving that sporting excellence has no age limit.
Athletes from the community were given a send-off at KL Wellness City Gallery in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, to represent Malaysia at two major international endurance events: Puma Hyrox World Championships Stockholm 2026 in Sweden and Challenge Roth 2026 in Germany.
The Hyrox championships will take place from June 18 to 21, while Challenge Roth, one of the world’s leading long-distance triathlon events, will be held on July 5.
Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Mordi Bimol said the occasion was more than a ceremony.
“It is a celebration of dedication, discipline and the spirit of Malaysian excellence.
“You carry with you the hopes, pride and aspirations of our nation as you stand shoulder to shoulder with the world’s best,” he said at the send-off.
Mordi said the athletes’ participation carried a message on active ageing, resilience and lifelong health.
“This participation is a powerful reminder that age is not a barrier to performance.
“It reflects a lifelong commitment to health, resilience and active living,” he said.
KL Wellness City executive director Datuk Seri Dr Vincent Tiew, who will compete in Challenge Roth, said the team’s journey showed that endurance was built long before race day.
“I am reminded that every race begins long before the starting line.
“It begins with discipline, consistency, sacrifices and the willingness to challenge ourselves to become better each day,” he said.
Tiew said many of the athletes proved that it was never too late to take up fitness seriously.
“Our journey is a powerful reminder that excellence has no expiry date.
“We have shown that age is not a barrier, but a benchmark of experience, discipline and determination.
“And many will be surprised that most of us only started exercising after turning 40,” he said.
The KL Wellness City representatives competing at Challenge Roth are Tiew, 50, and Ng Choon Keith, 42.
Those heading to the Hyrox World Championships are Tan Ay Bing, 69, Terence Poon Chau Chun, 64, Dr Yeap Jing Eng, 65, Yeap Jing Ching, 62, Yeap Jing Yee, 59, Lee Ho Kiat, 36, Kyle See, 25, and Mandy Chai, 25.
Tiew said the athletes were also carrying KL Wellness City’s broader message that wellness should not be treated as a slogan, but as a lifestyle.
“At KL Wellness City, we believe that wellness is not a concept, but a way of life. It is about building a strong mind, strong body and resilient spirit.
“We also believe that wealth provides more personal freedom and options in life.
“But without a healthy, strong, and independent mobile body, that freedom becomes meaningless.
“Health is therefore the true foundation of a fulfilling life.”
He added that age should inspire people to push beyond their perceived limits, instead of holding them back.
“With the right mindset and commitment, age should never define our limits, but inspire us to push beyond them,” he said.
The athletes’ preparation was supported by KL Wellness City’s wellness-focused community, which organises regular training sessions, fitness activities and meet-ups to promote active living.
