LANGKAWI: Triathlon is arguably one of the toughest sports in the world, testing even the fittest athletes through swimming, cycling and running segments.
And doing it in your 40s? That’s another level altogether.
Meet Shahrom Abdullah — Malaysia’s most recognisable face in triathlon.
At 46, the Gua Musang-born athlete is still going strong, even as he admits that balancing training with family life has become increasingly difficult.
Shahrom emerged as Malaysia’s best male finisher at the IRONMAN 70.3 Langkawi on Saturday, completing the 1.9km swim, 90km cycle and 21.1km run in 4:42:31.
His time placed him first in the 45-49 age group category and made him the top Malaysian finisher.
Afiq Syazwan was Malaysia’s second-best finisher, clocking 4:46:59, followed by Chong yoong Thiang (5:01:53).
Extreme challenges are nothing new for Shahrom.
In 2016, he successfully completed an expedition across the South Pole in just 37 days and four hours — around 20 days faster than expected.
“It’s getting more difficult to train at my age,” said Shahrom.
“My family is my priority now, and training comes second.
“At this stage, I can’t train like an elite athlete anymore. Recovery takes longer, so I have to plan carefully. I can’t push to the extremes like before.”
Still, Shahrom was thrilled with his result in Langkawi.
“It was my first-ever 70.3 event in Langkawi, and I’m just happy to complete the race and finish as the top Malaysian,” he said.
“Although I didn’t match my personal best of 4 hours 15 minutes — set 15 years ago in Putrajaya — which is now impossible to achieve, I’m satisfied with today’s performance.”
Chew Huey Ming was the top Malaysian female finisher, clocking 5:31:52, topping the 30-34 age group category, followed by Serena Yang (5:33:54) and Yen Chia (5:37:06).
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
