KUALA LUMPUR: Esther Joy Chen proved she can overcome any adversity, even when injured, to attain success in triathlon and duathlon.
Esther overcame the pain from a rib injury to finish second in both the triathlon (Super League format) and duathlon (sprint distance) competitions at the Southeast Asia Triathlon Federation (SEATF) Championship.
The prestigious event, part of the Perak Multisport Festival, took place at the scenic Marina Island Pangkor. The duathlon event was held on Saturday, followed by the triathlon competition on Sunday.
Despite her condition, the 20-year-old athlete put on an impressive performance in Sunday's triathlon, finishing behind Filipino Raven Alcoseba, a bronze medallist at the Vietnam Sea Games two years ago.
Organised by XS Elite Performance, the third edition of the SEATF Championship introduced a 'Super League' format, giving a more competitive facelift to the triathlon competition.
This format included three rounds with varying combinations: a 300m swim-5km cycle-2.5km run for the first round, a 2.5km run-5km cycle-300m swim for the second, and a 300m swim-2.5km run-5km cycle for the final round, all to be completed within 90 minutes.
The athletes' combined times determined the final standings.
Esther bagged silver with a combined time of one hour, 18 minutes, and 54 seconds, while Alcoseba dominated with 1:18:10. Cindy Sui, another local contender, took bronze with 1:22:32.
"I was definitely not so confident coming into the competition due to a rib fracture following a cycling accident a few weeks ago," said Esther.
"Although not fully recovered, I wanted to compete. I would have withdrawn if it became too painful today.
"I fought really hard for my podium finishes considering I have not completely healed yet.
"Last year's victory was under a different, more conventional format. It was a new challenge for everyone under the new format, which demands only the best from an athlete in the swim, bike and run legs. "Today, I did not really swim well. However, as my stamina is good, I kept close to the leaders during the swimming leg of the competition.
"By the third round, my rivals were tired, but I could still go on. You have to be really good in all three disciplines to finish on the podium under this triple triathlon format."
In the men's triathlon, Filipino Andrew Remolino won the event with a time of 1:10:32, narrowly beating compatriot Matthew Hermosa, who finished at 1:10:42. Martyn Lim emerged as the fastest local athlete, completing the race in 1:12:06 in fourth position.
"It was unpredictable because of the triple triathlon format. I had to control my pace and intensity so that I still had energy for the third round.
"Furthermore, I managed a podium finish in the duathlon elite event yesterday. So my results were unexpected as my preparations weren't top notch.
"The Super League format is interesting but very tiring. Overall, I am happy with my efforts," said Martyn, who plans to become a full-time triathlete after he completes his practical training as an English teacher.
Martyn added that his encouraging results will aid his preparations to secure a spot in the Malaysian team for next year's Sea Games in Thailand.
Both Remolino and Alcoseba were understandably delighted with their achievements and the hospitality received during the event.
Remolino, who defended his title from last year, said: "We brought a big team this year thanks to our sponsors because it's a well-organised event with a beautiful race route.
"The event is like a mini Sea Games as it gathers most of the top athletes in the region. I take this trip as a 'race-cation.'"
First-time visitor to Malaysia, Alcoseba, shared similar sentiments: "Malaysia is quite similar to the Philippines. I had a great time here. Everyone is friendly, and I received warm hospitality everywhere. I will definitely return."
A total of 800 athletes, aged 14 to 72, from 21 countries competed across various age group categories. The competition featured Olympic distances of a 1.5km swim-40km cycle-10km run for triathlon and a 10km run-40km cycle-5km run for duathlon. The 'Sprint' category included a 750m swim-20km cycle-5km run for triathlon and a 5km run-20km cycle-2.5km run for duathlon.
Results
Triathlon
Men's elite: 1. Andrew Remolino (Phi) 1:10:32, 2. Matthew Hermosa (Phi) 1:10:42, 3. Lim Cheng Yu (Sin) 1:11:55... 4. Martyn Lim (Mas) 1:12:06, 6. Yap Qi Yi (Mas) 1:12:30, 8. Nicholas Long (Mas) 1:13:52.
Women's elite: 1. Raven Faith Alcoseba (Phi) 1:18:10, 2. Esther Joy Chen (Mas) 1:18:54, 3. Cindy Sui (Mas) 1:22:32... 4. Sara Joy Chen (Mas) 1:23:31, 6. Teo Sze Hui (Mas) 1:25:17.
Duathlon
Men's elite: 1. Sedita Nubatonis (Ina) 59:02, 2. Alias Praji (Ina) 59:09, 3. Ahmad Arif Ibrahim (Sin) 59:51... 5. Martyn Lim (Mas) 1:02:06. 8. Pang Keat Tung (Mas) 1:03:57.
Women's elite: 1. Eva Desiana (Ina) 1:08:12, 2. Esther Joy Chen (Mas) 1:08:34, 3. Maharani Wahyuningtyas (Ina) 1:09:05... 6. Cindy Sui (Mas) 1:15:40, 7. Ng Qiaoyi (Mas) 1:15:44.