GEORGE TOWN: Having conquered mountains in Nepal and completed a full marathon, visually-impaired Darren Yuen now aims to complete a triathlon.
The 48-year-old has been training for the Penang Chinese Swimming Club Triathlon this coming Sunday, which comprises a gruelling 800m swim, 20km cycle and 8km run.
“I hope this will inspire others in the disabled community to step out of their comfort zones,” he said when interviewed by The Star.
He added that everyone should strive to live the best life possible, regardless of the hurdles they face.
“To me, blindness is not a disability. It is just another challenge to conquer,” Yuen said.
The Penangite is legally blind due to retinitis pigmentosa, a rare genetic disorder that cause the gradual breakdown of cells in the retina.
The disorder is a progressive condition with no cure, though it can be slowed with assistive tools, emerging treatments such as gene therapy, retinal implants and using protective UV-blocking sunglasses.
Diagnosed in 2016, his condition gradually worsened over the years, leaving him with only blurred vision.
“I can only see blurry shapes now,” he said.
Yuen began his foray into endurance sports in 2016 with hikes up the Mulu Pinnacles.
In 2024, he trekked to the Mardi Himal viewpoint in Nepal, some 4,300m above sea level, raising over RM21,000 for St Nicholas’ Home for the Blind.
In March last year, he returned to Nepal’s Annapurna range and reached Annapurna Base Camp located about 4,130m above sea level.
His shift to road running has also drawn attention.
In December, he completed his first full marathon during the Penang Bridge International Marathon, finishing in five hours and 49 minutes while tethered to a guide runner.
“That marathon was a huge milestone but this April is about taking it a step further,” he said.
Despite the challenges of navigating a triathlon as a blind athlete, Yuen sees it as a technical task that can be overcome with preparation and trust.
He has already completed an 800m swim and 5km run aquathlon at Universiti Sains Malaysia in 2024.
Beyond personal goals, Yuen has also been raising funds for specialised running shoes for visually-impaired runners and their guides from the Ramakrishna Orphanage.
As he prepares for Sunday’s race, Yuen said he hopes to inspire others and highlight what is possible through determination.
“Your support means the world. Together, we can prove that when you refuse to let your circumstances define your limits, the horizon is endless,” he said.
