LANGKAWI: Finding time to train was the biggest challenge for Datuk Fadil Marsus as he prepared for Ironman Malaysia, while juggling his duties as Kuala Lumpur police chief and overseeing preparations for the recent Asean Summit.
Fadil, known by his personnel through his call sign “Blade”, conquered his maiden full-distance Ironman Malaysia in Langkawi, completing the gruelling 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and 42.2km run — widely regarded as one of Asia’s toughest single-day triathlons.
“Alhamdulillah, I’m truly grateful to Allah. At last, I managed to complete my first-ever Ironman,” said the 50-year-old senior officer after crossing the finish line on Saturday night.
He thanked his family, the police force, his coach and the entire “Blade family” — the team who trained and raced alongside him.
“This was my first attempt after three earlier plans had to be cancelled, so it feels extra special,” he said.
Despite the punishing course, Fadil said his biggest challenge was finding time to train while managing his official duties.
“Preparation this time was difficult because I barely had time to train in the two months leading up to the race.
“But Alhamdulillah, I pulled through and managed to finish strong,” he said.
Having completed several Ironman 70.3 events before, Fadil described the full-distance race as a whole new level — one that reflected the very spirit of policing.
“Ironman is not just an event, it’s a disciplined lifestyle. The training and mental strength required are very similar to what we practise in the force.
“Fitness, focus and determination — these values complement each other perfectly.”
Fadil led a strong Police Triathlon Club contingent comprising 18 officers, eight of whom completed the full Ironman and five who took on the half-distance Ironman 70.3 Langkawi.
Those who completed the full Ironman included Deputy Superintendent Mohd Zaki Ahmad, Assistant Superintendent Zulkarnain Rikan, Assistant Superintendent Abdul Hai Salleh, Inspector Azwan Petrus, Constable Muhammad Afzal Farhan Mohd Nor, Corporal Muhammad Farhan Lokman, and police civilian staffer Mohd Shahrin Hasan Sezali.
The half-distance finishers were Assistant Superintendent Awang Hamad Abdullah, Inspector Mohamad Aznan Che Me, Inspector Mohamad Izhar Syafie Mohd Basir, Corporal Muhammad Luqman Hakim Hamidi and Lance Corporal Muhamad Hidayat Afifi Ishak.
Two relay teams also flew the police flag high — Team 1 featured Sergeant Major Muhammad Yusri Naghendren Abdullah (swim), Lance Corporal Nik Mohd Aswan (bike) and Assistant Superintendent Muhamad Hazwan Mat Tar (run); while Team 2 comprised Joshua Luta Nangai (swim), Nur Aliya Mohd Azli (bike) and Lance Corporal Wan Atiqur Rahman Wan Kaswadinata (run).
Fadil said the club’s strong presence in Langkawi reflected the growing fitness culture within the police force, fostered through the reactivated Police Triathlon Club under the Management Department.
“This is a positive platform to bring our officers to the international stage. Ironman may be global, but the spirit we carry is the same — discipline, courage and teamwork,” he said.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
