Debutant Diana takes top spot in Kuala Langat Aquathlon

PETALING JAYA: Former state swimmer Diana Qistina Redza (pic) certainly had beginner’s luck when she won the women’s Olympic distance in the Kuala Langat Aquathlon.

Diana stole the show in her first foray into open water swimming when she came out tops in the 1.5km run swimming and 10km run distance on Sunday.

Diana, competing in the 30-39 age bracket, clocked the fastest time of 1’18:44.

Lee Sing Chee, competing in the 18-29 age bracket, placed second in 1’39:42 ahead of Siti Hanisah Linggi (30-39), who clocked 1’48:45.

Diana, whose younger sister represented Malaysia national team and competed in the SEA Games before, only entered the competition to gauge her level of fitness and never thought of making it to the top of the podium.

“It’s only my first time doing open water swimming. I did simulation training but that was many, many years ago. I used to swim for the state but that was so long ago when I was still studying. It’s different to swim in the sea and I find it very salty compared to pool swimming.

“I am more into running and would like to do a full marathon one day, so I entered for this event to gauge my level of fitness.

“I certainly did not expect to win this,” said Diana, who works in the finance industry.

But there was no such problem coping with the conditions for Yap Qi Yi, who successfully retained his men’s Olympic distance title.

The 18-year-old was a class above the rest of the field as he topped the timesheets with 1’00:18.

Mohd Khairil Azhar and Harith Aiman Adha, both also competing in the 18-29 age bracket, finished second (1’00:53) and third (1’03:37) respectively.

“I’m happy to retain my title. It was not as easy as I thought as I had to sprint all the way to the finish line.

“The running part is tough as I have only taken up running two years back.

“Now I know where I stand in duathlon and hopefully, I will continue to improve as my goal is to make the cut for the SEA Games in Thailand end of next year.

“If the schedule permits, I hope to enter for the triathlon and duathlon as well.

“Hats off to the organisers for organising this event and having events for the young kids as well. It’s a good and healthy way to spend a Sunday morning,” said the Klang-born Qi Yi.

Toto Ong, race director of XS Elite Performance, said the Kuala Langat Duathlon attracted a total of 450 participants this year.

“The Kuala Langat Duathlon plays an important role in not just encouraging participants to practice a healthy lifestyle but also will help boost the sporting standards in the country.

“The weather was also lovely and I can see everyone who took part enjoyed themselves.

“It was also nice to see good entries in the 7 to 15 age bracket as these are going to be our future hopes in sports when they get older,” said Toto.