KUALA LANGAT: An army officer, who suffered bruises from a crash in Langkawi, went on to win the Morib Duathlon yesterday.
Nur Radzman Mohamad Munib, 26, based at the Terendak Camp in Melaka, sustained injuries on his face, arms and legs after crashing during a folding bike competition in Langkawi just a day before the race.
But he wouldn't let the crash derail his plans, flying to Kuala Lumpur the same evening and traveling to Morib to compete in the Morib Duathlon.
"I crashed after just 1km during the folding bike competition in Langkawi," Nur Radzman said.
"I suffered bruises to my upper lip, chin, arms and left thigh. However, I didn't let that stop me. I took a flight out and stayed at a homestay for the Morib Duathlon."
Nur Radzman's determination paid off when he won the Olympic-standard race, which included a 10km run, 40km cycle, and a final 5km run, finishing in 1:59:40. Lokman Hakim Razali clocked 2:01:19 to finish second and Jasry Maradius (2:03:11) was third.
In the women's race, Tahira Najmunisaa Muhammad Zaid took top spot with a time of 2:17:45. Iza Maryati Mohamad came in second (2:23:13) and Noor Hazfanina finished third (2:39:56).
Both Nur Radzman and Tahira have earned free slots for the Titan 77.7 Philippines, a long-distance duathlon event on Sept 15.
Nur Radzman hopes this victory is just the beginning of greater things to come, and his ambition is to represent Malaysia at the 2025 Sea Games in Thailand.
"I'm a runner and only started competing in cycling and duathlon this year, so winning here is memorable. I hope it will spur me on to do better in future events."
The Perak athlete is already planning his next big challenge — the Titan 77.7 Philippines next month, followed by the Ironman Langkawi and the national duathlon trials.
"The Titan race includes a 10km run, a 55km bike race, and another 10km run," Nur Radzman explained.
"It will be challenging, but I'll pace myself during the runs and push hard during the cycling leg."
Meanwhile, 35-year-old Tahira, a mother of four and a silver medallist at the 2021 Hanoi Sea Games, expressed pride in still being able to compete and win against younger athletes.
However, she is uncertain about representing Malaysia again as her priority is family.
"I'm just enjoying my races without thinking about winning," she said.
"For international competitions, it might be better to pick younger athletes."
RESULTS
Olympic distance
Men's 18-29 years old: 1. Mohamad Nur Radzman Mohamad Munib1:59:40s, 2. Lokman Hakim Razali 2:01:19, 3. Jasry Maradius 2:03:11;
30-39: 1. Nazri Muhamad 2:01:41, Mohd Hafidz Abd Hamid 2:03:29, 3. Yusog Abdul Manan 2:05:01;
40-49: 1. Shahrom Abdullah 2:04:32, 2. Abdul Rahman Abu Hassan 2:08:01, 3. Maciej Oliwiak 2:13:17;
50-59: 1. Song Kok Fui 2:28:34, 2 Lee Meng Yong 2:32:08, 3. KY Ho 2:37:46;
60 and above: 1. Sam Haggag 2:26:58, 2. Ong Teck Keong 2:46:33, 3, Lai Choong Ming 2:47:43.
Women's 30-39: 1. Tahira Najmunisaa Muhammad Zaid 2:17:45, Iza Maryati Mohamad 2:23:13, Noor Hazfanina 2:39:56;
40-49: 1. Fazliana Ismail 2:33:58, 2. Jessica Tang 2:35:42, 3 Anna Oliwiak 2:54:44;
50-59: 1. Wendy Tce 2:49:32, 2. Yeap Jing Nee 3:03:19, 3. Yap Bea Kin 3:19:50.