Bodybuilders Zmarul, Faiz follow in Mike’s footsteps in winning world titles

A moment to cherish: Zmarul Adam became Malaysia’s latest world champion in bodybuilding after claiming gold in the men’s below 80kg category.

PETALING JAYA: Six-time world bodybuilding champion Datuk Syarul Azman Mahen Abdullah had retired early this year but it did not take too long to find his able replacements.

Zmarul Adam and Ahmad Faiz Ariffin did the country proud by carrying on Mike Mahen’s legacy with breakthrough victories in the World Bodybuilding and Sports Physique Championships in Maldives on Saturday.

Zmarul and Faiz became the latest world champions after claiming gold in the respective men’s below 80kg and men’s physique 175cm categories.

The 33-year-old Zmarul was pleased that his hard work and due diligence for more than a decade in pursuing what he believed in had paid off.

Winners all: Philomena Dexclyn Siar (left) and Ahmad Faiz Ariffin won gold medals at the World Bodybuilding and Sports Physique Championships in Maldives.

“I switched category from the men’s below 75kg to 80kg two years ago,” said Zmarul.

“I took part in the Hanoi SEA Games and managed to contribute a silver medal at that time.

“I have been involved in bodybuilding since 2013 and it’s not easy for me to go to this level as I had to spend a lot to cover my expenses on supplements and food.

“I am grateful for the support from my employers, my coaches and my family, especially my wife who has never stopped assisting me all this while,” said Zmarul, who is a policeman based in Bukit Aman.

Sabahan Zmarul was a bronze medallist for Malaysia in the same category at the Asian Bodybuilding and Sports Physique Championships in Indonesia in August.

The 31-year-old Faiz was happy to continue Malaysia’s proud tradition of producing world champions in the sports physique discipline.

“I am truly grateful for this result. Finally, I am a world champion,” said Faiz, who last won a gold at the Asian meet in Kathmandu last year.

“I’ve been trying over and over again for the past 12 years representing Malaysia.

“I want to thank everyone for their support throughout this journey.”

Philomena Dexclyn Siar, who is from Sarawak, also made Malaysia proud by contributing the third gold in the women’s sports physique (35 years and above) category.

Malaysia also won three silvers and two bronze medals in the world meet, which saw participation from 55 countries.