Zi Hong seeks to better personal best in Games debut

IPOH: Ho Zi Hong (pic) will compete at the upcoming Cambodia SEA Games as the sole male duathlon athlete.

The 20-year-old from Ipoh says he is looking forward to making the country proud in his debut and hopes to beat his previous personal record of 1 hour and 43 seconds.

The female duathlon athletes joining him are Tahira Najmunisaa Mohd Zaid and Siobhain Doyle Mei Li.

“Previously for the SEA Games, the competition was based on the Olympic distance but this time, I will be competing in a sprint event involving a 5km run, 20km of cycling and an additional 2.5km run,” he said.

He added he has been training three hours daily at Bukit Jalil under his three coaches from the Academy Tri Club in Kuala Lumpur.

Zi Hong, who has participated in competitions since he was 18, took part in the Philippines National Duathlon Championship and the Dua Liga National Championship last year.

Zi Hong said his journey would have not been possible without the unwavering support and encouragement of his parents.

“I am confident that with the support from my family, coaches, and teammates, I can achieve my goal in Cambodia.”