Syed Saddiq completes 4km swim at Langkawi fest
Although he did not finish among the top three, his determination to complete the open water course drew loud cheers from more than 300 spectators.
The 4km race was won by Aiman Moosa Rasheed of the Maldives, who finished in 1:06:54.
Also stealing the spotlight was 8-year-old Ayden Adrean, son of actress and singer Bella Astillah, who finished the 400m category in 16 minutes and 21 seconds, earning admiration from the crowd.
Bella was seen throughout the event, cheering on her eldest son and offering words of encouragement at the sidelines.
The swim fest, organised by Tough Gorilla in collaboration with Tourism Malaysia and the Langkawi Development Authority (Lada), attracted 325 participants from 18 countries.
Among the nations represented were Thailand, South Korea, Singapore, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Indonesia, the United States, the Maldives, Lebanon, France, Ireland, Mexico, India, Spain, Colombia, Japan, the Philippines and host country Malaysia.
Five categories were contested, the open categories for distances of 8km, 4km, 2km, 1km and 400m.
This year's edition also introduced a special category for children, allowing them to swim alongside their mothers.
In the men's open category, Malaysian swimmer Harith Aiman Adha Norasli claimed victory, while South Africa's Kim Anderson emerged champion in the women's open category.
The event was opened by Lada deputy chief executive officer (Planning and Development) Wan Kamarul Faisal Wan Kamardin.
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