DESARU: National triathletes Teh Kuok Yuen and Chia Shio Yuan drew strength from their experiences to emerge as the top men and women Malaysian performers at the Ironman 70.3 Desaru Coast yesterday.
The 38-year-old seasoned triathlete Kuok Yuen finished fifth after powering through the 1km swim, 90km bike ride, and 21.1km run, to finish 4’17:46s.
The swimming distance was shortened from 1.9km to 1km but it did not bother Kuok Yuen.
“Swimming is not my forte. I did not grow up in the water. Therefore, I’m more confident in the bike and run disciplines.”
The torrential waves posed the most significant challenge for Kuok Yuen, who is the only Malaysian to complete a full Ironman in under nine hours with his 8’56:42 finish at the Ironman Copenhagen in 2024.
“For the first 250 meters of the swim, I was unable to see and was repeatedly pushed back by the waves,” added Kuok Yuen, who will be participating in the Man of Steel triathlon next month.
For the 36-year-old Shio Yuan, who came sixth in the women’s category with her time of 5’09:56, it was the hardest swim in her entire triathlon career.
“It was the most challenging swim for me, but the bike and run made up for it,” said the six-time full Ironman finisher.
She also noted how her experience in previous triathlons aided her in overcoming the difficult start.
“For me, the races are unpredictable and you need to be prepared for anything.
“I will always try to complete the race no matter the challenge,” added Shio Yuan, who intends to compete in at least two additional 70.3 Ironman this year.
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