Soh Wai Ching on his way to victory in the Tunnel to Towers Climb NYC in New York. It was the sixth win this year for the 27-year-old tower runner.
SOH Wai Ching flies the Malaysian flag everywhere he goes as the world No. 1 ranked tower runner but he has literally been spending his own money to continue his passion.
Wai Ching emerged champion for the second time in a week on American soil when he won the Fight For Air Climb NYC at Penn 1 Plaza, New York, recently.
But despite being ranked top in the world and putting Malaysia’s name on the world map, he still does not have good financial support to further develop his career.
Two of his main corporate sponsors dropped out after March this year, leaving the 27-year-old to source for his own funds.
As a result, he had to skip a planned trip to Australia to take part in The Step Up For MSWA competition in Perth this weekend.
Fellow Malaysians who are living in US have been lending support to his cause and they wanted to help him after learning of his predicament but the deadline for registration was already over.
Wai Ching has a few competitions lined up later from August to October but it will also depend on whether he can come up with the funds to participate.
It was a brave decision he made to set up base in Dubai this year because the city has many tall buildings he is able to train in.
But with sponsors dropping out, it was just a matter of time before his own savings dry up as he needs to take care of flight tickets, accommodation and living expenses.
Wai Ching has so far claimed seven wins in eight competitions this year in six American cities.
That includes the renowned One World Trade Centre in New York.
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah have congratulated Wai Ching after his successful mission to scale the One World Trade Centre.
But that’s as far as accolades go. The powers that be are quick to announce incentives for the footballers for qualifying for the Asian Cup Finals and Wai Ching must be hoping his pleas do not fall on deaf ears.
Wai Ching, who has always maintained a positive outlook on life, remains optimistic that he can find a way to relieve his financial worries as he wants to focus on what he does best.
He will return end of this month and plans to hold discussions with the Youth and Sports Ministry on several tower-running activities in Malaysia, including plans to host the Asia Oceania Championship in Malaysia and also the sport’s inclusion in the 2027 SEA Games, which will also take place in KL.
Otherwise, it will be a big shame if someone who raises the country’s flag high after scaling the summit is left to fend for himself.
