LANGKAWI: Knee injuries, bruises on the right hand, and scratches on the face from a fall off his bicycle did not dampen Muar member of Parliament, Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman's spirit, in his quest to earn the title of 'Ironman'.
Syed Saddiq, 31, crossed the finish line of the 2024 Ironman Malaysia event at the Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa here at about 9.30pm, greeted by applause from the crowd.
The former Youth and Sports minister said his mother's advice not to easily give up served as his motivation to continue the race despite the pain.
"My mother never taught me to give up easily. Although I had an accident, nothing was broken, just some bruises and bleeding, which I consider normal.
"I got back up… even though I lost 30 minutes (due to the accident), I'm grateful I managed to finish the race before the four-hour mark," he said when met at the finish line.
Syed Saddiq said the accident was caused by a fallen tree blocking his path while a car was approaching from the opposite direction, causing him to crash into a tree branch.
"I dedicate this Ironman title to my mother, Shariffah Mahani Syed Abdul Aziz, and my father, Syed Abdul Rahman Abdullah Asagoff, as they are my sources of inspiration.
"In fact, this is also a special gift for my father, who is celebrating his birthday. I dedicate this achievement to him because both my parents have taught me to be a fighter," he said.