Latest news with #PerakMultisportFestival
The Sun
16-06-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Martyn, Esther win SEA triathlon sprint titles in Pangkor
KUALA LUMPUR: National triathletes Martyn Lim and Esther Joy Chen proved their mettle by winning the elite sprint titles at the Southeast Asia Triathlon Federation Championship, held in conjunction with the Perak Multisport Festival on Pangkor Island, Perak, today. Martyn clocked 1 hour 3 minutes 57 seconds (1:03:57) to top the men's elite category, which comprised a 750m swim, 20km bike ride and 5km run. He had finished fifth in last year's race. He outperformed compatriot and 2015 SEA Games silver medallist Rikigoro Shinozuka, who finished second with a time of 1:05:25, while Singapore's Russel Lee came in third at 1:06:10. Martyn said his prior experience competing at the same location gave him a strategic edge. 'That definitely helped a lot. I knew when to attack, when to conserve energy, and the right moment to sprint to the finish line. 'I'm very satisfied with what I achieved today,' he said in a statement. He hopes the victory will be enough to secure him a spot in the SEA Games in Thailand this December, as this championship served as the final qualifying event. 'Today's race marked my fourth and final qualifying event. 'We'll now wait for the official decision. I gave it everything today ... hopefully, it's enough,' he added. In the women's elite category, Esther completed the race in 1:10:25, well ahead of Singapore's Lim Wan Ting (1:12:48) and Regine Goh (1:15:07). The win was especially sweet for Esther, who had to settle for second place last year. 'This victory wasn't just about speed; it was more about race management. 'I really pushed myself, especially during the swim and bike segments. It's not about who's the fastest, but who's the smartest with strategy,' said Esther, who also hopes to qualify for the SEA Games in Thailand.
New Straits Times
14-06-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Martyn, Esther claim Sea Triathlon titles, eye Sea Games next
KUALA LUMPUR: National triathletes Martyn Lim and Esther Joy rose to the occasion with commanding victories in the elite Sprint races at the Southeast Asia (Sea) Triathlon Federation Championships, held as part of the Perak Multisport Festival in Lumut on Saturday. Martyn, who finished fifth overall and was the fastest Malaysian last year, went one better this time by clocking 1:03:57s to clinch the men's title, which featured a 750m swim, 20km bike, and 5km run. He held off compatriot and former Sea Games silver medallist Rikigoro Shinozuka (1:05:25), with Singapore's Rusell Lee (1:06:10) completing the podium. "I didn't come in with big expectations — just focused on going hard in the swim and seeing who came up with me on the bike," said Martyn. "I think I had a pretty good swim by managing to latch onto some feet, which made it quite comfortable. The bike felt really good — the speed was there — and on the run I was out there alone but able to hold a strong pace and finish well." Martyn credited his familiarity with the course as an advantage, having raced here in the past few editions. "That definitely gave me an edge. I knew when to attack, when to hold back, and when to start pushing for the finish," he added. With the championships serving as the final selection race for the Sea Games, Martyn is hopeful his performance sealed the deal. In the women's race, Esther crossed the line in 1:10:25 to finish well ahead of Singaporeans Lim Wan Ting (1:12:48) and Regine Goh (1:15:07), marking a step up from her runner-up finish last year. "This was a good win — not necessarily for how fast I went, but for how I executed it," said Esther. "I really challenged myself, especially in the swim and bike. It wasn't about outright speed today — it was about racing smart, and I'm quite proud of that." Fresh off her win at the national championships in Putrajaya, Esther is also vying for a Sea Games return. "I'm not too sure what the coaches will decide, but based on the results, I hope I get in." Esther, who made her debut at the 2021 Sea Games in Hanoi just six months into competitive triathlon, brings an unlikely background to the sport. "I actually come from wushu," she revealed. "I was in the national team for Nanquan discipline for a half years before COVID-19 struck. I was losing interest after a while as we could not train and there wasn't any competition. "I eventually picked up triathlon. Interestingly, I never cycled before triathlon, but the leg strength from wushu helped a lot, especially on the bike. "Power wasn't the issue — it was just learning the skills." RESULTS *Malaysia unless stated Men's elite sprint: 1. Martyn Lim 1:03:57s, 2. Rikigoro Shinozuka 1:05:25, 3. Rusell Lee (SGP) 1:06:10. Women's elite Sprint: 1. Esther Joy Chen 1:10:25. 2. Lim Wan Ting (SGP) 1:12:48. 3. Regine Goh (SGP) 1:15:07. Men's Olympic distance: 1. Khairil Azhar 2:16:10, 2. Timotius Justin 2:27:27, 3. Mohd Azmir Abdullah Sani 2:32:02. Women's Olympic distance: 1. Serena Yang 2:49:08. 2. Chang Wei Ying 2:56:50, 3. Nursya Jusoh 3:05:44. Men's 113: 1. Hakim Che Sharuji 4:33:08, 2. Muhamad Rabani Hashim 4:46:51, 3. Thong Wing Yew 4:56:17. Women's 113: 1. Wong Ee Va 5:02:57, 2. Nuur Syafyka Shafie 5:37:07, 3. Mimi Ruslan 5:43:18.
