Siblings power: Mayumi Shinozuka with her brother Rikigoro.
TRIATHLETE Mayumi Shinozuka has sibling rivalry on her mind when she takes part in her second SEA Games in Cambodia.
Her elder brother Rikigoro Shinozuka had won a surprise silver in the men’s individual triathlon in Singapore in 2015, becoming the only Malaysian to have won a medal in the sport.
The 22-year-old Mayumi, who started off as a swimmer before following in her brother’s footsteps as a triathlete, wants to emulate his feat or go one better.
“My brother was in the sport and I just followed him when I was seven or eight,” said Mayumi, who is of Japanese and Malaysian descent.
“I was just doing it for fun until I realised how much I enjoyed it, and then I slowly became more competitive.
“My brother is the one who inspired me to take part in this sport. He has great work ethics, is very disciplined and trains extremely well.
“He definitely pushes me to be better.”
Mayumi returned home empty-handed in her debut in Hanoi last year but hopes to make amends this time.
“Last year, I had an injury but I have fully recovered now,” said Mayumi.
“The training last year was really good but I think I put myself under a lot of pressure.
“I had opportunities to race with a lot of higher-level athletes and I have gained experience and confidence.
“This year, I’m definitely more prepared.”
Mayumi will join Siobhain Doyle Mei Li, Isaac Tan Zhen Wei and Teo Zun Jet in the mixed aquathlon relay today before featuring in the women’s triathlon sprint distance on Monday.
