KUALA LUMPUR: Former Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman is heading back to Langkawi, and this time, he’s on a mission to thrive, not just survive.
The Muar MP, 32, made his IRONMAN Malaysia debut last year, battling through a mid-race crash to finish the event in 13 hours and 13 minutes.
It was a test of grit and willpower, and now he’s back for another go at the island’s iconic endurance race.
The event is on Saturday.
Fresh from competing in his first IRONMAN World Championship in Nice, France, last month, Syed Saddiq says the 10th-anniversary edition of IRONMAN Malaysia holds a special place in his heart.
“To be honest, I aim to join IRONMAN Malaysia annually if possible — to make this a must-do in my sports calendar,” he said.
“IRONMAN Malaysia is sentimental to me. It was my first full IRONMAN championship. Above and beyond that, IRONMAN Malaysia is like Hari Raya for triathletes.
“Triathletes across Malaysia look forward to joining either the half distance or the full distance race.”
Now, fitter, wiser and more determined, he wants redemption after his turbulent debut.
“Last year was my first, and I wasn’t fully prepared. I had an accident halfway through the bike course which definitely impacted my timing. So last year was about surviving.
“This year, hopefully, is about thriving and racing for a better spot,” he said.
Of course, fans will be keeping an eye out for Malaysian actress and singer Bella Astillah, who’s often seen cheering him on at major events.
Syed Saddiq‘s rise as an endurance athlete has been remarkable.
After conquering the brutal IRONMAN course in Nice — one of the toughest on the global calendar — he now returns to Langkawi with experience on his side.
“Nice and Langkawi are two very different races. Nice had one of the toughest bike courses in the world, with almost double the elevation of Langkawi.
“But Langkawi’s heat and humidity make it just as tough. Still, being Malaysian gives me an advantage — I’m used to this weather, and that familiarity helps.”
For Syed Saddiq, the IRONMAN lifestyle is built on relentless discipline and consistency.
“The biggest lesson I picked up from last year is that the hundreds of hours put into training are the real IRONMAN. The race itself is a celebration. So this year, it’s a lot more about preparation.
“Hopefully, no crashes, no punctured tyres — things will go smoothly.”
His progress is showing. He recently clocked a sub-1:40 finish in the KL Marathon’s half-marathon — a sign his fitness is peaking.
“There’s no secret formula. It’s just ruthless discipline and consistency,” he said.
Despite juggling parliamentary duties, Syed Saddiq finds ways to keep up his training.
“I’m a believer that when there’s a will, there’s a way. I cut out unnecessary distractions like doom-scrolling or long meetings.
“I even integrate training into simple routines, watching Netflix only while cycling, doing calf raises while reading, or leg raises in the car to Muar. It’s about aligning lifestyle with purpose.”
He won’t reveal his targets just yet, but he’s quietly confident.
“I have my secret goals. I’ll announce them when the time is right. But yes, I definitely look forward to breaking my personal best from last year.”
Since 2014, IRONMAN Malaysia has become Southeast Asia’s flagship long-distance triathlon, attracting thousands of athletes from more than 60 nations.
Its picturesque course — featuring a 3.8km swim off Pantai Kok, a 180km bike ride through lush kampungs and coastal roads, and a 42.2km run along Cenang Beach before finishing at Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa — is considered one of the most scenic yet demanding on the global circuit.
And this weekend, all eyes will be on Langkawi, and Syed Saddiq, who’s back to prove he’s not just racing against time, but against his own limits.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
