Top marathoner Muhaizar seeks aquathlon SEA Games debut
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 27 (Bernama) -- Army veteran and one of the country's top marathon runner, Muhaizar Mohamad is hoping for an ideal parting gift by featuring in the aquathlon event, set for its debut at the 2023 Cambodia SEA Games from May 5-17.
The staff sergeant, who is set to retire from the army after over two decades of service, needs to secure his qualifications through the NeptuneX113 (NX113) Aquathlon Putrajaya on Feb 4, to achieve his aim.
However, it won't be a plain sailing for Muhaizar, as the 37-year-old gets into unchartered waters to compete in the Elite category of the NX113 Aquathlon, where participants need to complete a 500 metre (m) swim before transitioning to a 2.5 kilometre (km) run around the Putrajaya Lake.
“My expertise is running, so if I can complete my swim below 10 minutes, I should be able to catch up to the top competitors. I can complete the run below eight minutes.
“This event gives Malaysians an opportunity to represent the country at the 2023 SEA Games. I am seeing more people take up this sport, and it’s only good for the country to have a bigger pool of talents,” the 2017 and 2019 SEA Games men's marathon bronze medallist said in a statement from the organisers, today.
Muhaizar and Indonesian female triathlete Inge Prasetyo are among the top contenders in the NX113 Aquathlon, which has attracted participation from 500 individuals as of now.
Aquathlon will make its debut and feature alongside two other multi-discipline siblings – triathlon and duathlon – at the SEA Games in Phnom Penh.
Meanwhile, two-time Paratriathlon Asian champion Mohd Sabki Ariffin is also racing against time to compete at the NX113 Aquathlon.
“I have got funding to compete at this event and I am not going to waste this opportunity. I have a slight ankle injury, but it will not deter me from giving my best, hopefully to make the podium,” said Sabki, who will compete alongside able-bodied athletes.
According to the organisers, other categories to be contested on Feb 4 are the Standard (1.5km swim/10km run), Sprint (750m swim/5km run) and Super Sprint (500m swim/2.5km run), but only the Elite category competitors will be eligible to qualify for the SEA Games.
Those who wish to compete in the NX113 Aquathlon can sign up at registration@neptunextreme.com, but the registration for the Elite category must be submitted through the respective state triathlon associations.
The event will be held concurrently with the 1st SEA Open Water Swimming Championships 2023 (SEAOWSC) taking place from Feb 2-4.
-- BERNAMA
