In the Kuan household, triathlon isn’t just a sport. It’s family time in motion. What began as a shared dream between Ryan Kuan and his wife quietly simmered over the years, through half-marathons and duathlons, before being shelved for the demands of parenthood. But when their son joined a triathlon club that encouraged parental participation, the spark reignited.

“If we were going to keep up with him, and be responsible for other kids, we figured we’d better get back into it,” Ryan says. “Not for PBs, but just to reconnect and spend time together. Kids grow up so fast. We wanted to support each other while we still could.”

Training as a trio gave new meaning to family bonding. They took refresher swim classes alongside their son, squeezed in workouts between school runs, and found community in other like-minded parents. “At first, it was overwhelming, especially swimming. But over time, it became refreshing. We liked having the option to ride, swim, or run. It made training feel less like a chore.”

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Despite the joy, Ryan admits it’s not all sunshine and endorphins. “There are lazy days, dull moments, and times we question what we’re doing. But we push each other. Having the same goal keeps us going.”

For the Kuans, the finish line has always been symbolic. At Melaka 113 in 2024, Ryan planned a surprise family finish. “We timed everything to meet up on the run leg and cross together. But our son ran ahead and refused to wait,” he grins. “So I finished once with him, then again with my wife. We had to Photoshop the family picture! One day, we’ll get it right.”

That dream still stands: a real finisher photo, no editing required. But it’s the small victories that stay with them, like watching their son outswim them for the first time. “He gave us this smug little look. My wife and I just nodded, like, yup… he’s grown. We were proud, and a little heartbroken.”

Their favourite race so far? 113 Desaru in 2024. “Everyone warned us about crazy waves, but the sea was calm, like it welcomed us. The event was well-organised, safe, and ended with seafood by the beach. That’s the best kind of race weekend.”

Balancing life and training is a juggling act they’ve come to master. “I cook dinner on weekdays, do the school runs, and we plan everything at the start of each term,” Ryan says. “Sometimes it all falls apart, but we adapt. After years of this, it’s second nature. Can and must do—we remind ourselves.”

To keep the memories alive, Ryan started a private Instagram account. “Honestly, I couldn’t even remember what we did last year. Phones change, photos get lost. Now we have one space to relive it all, and update the family without retelling the same stories 20 times!”

His advice to other families? “Start with what you can. Try aquathlon or duathlon first. It’s not about being the fastest. It’s about showing up. If your knees cooperate and your ego doesn’t get in the way, everyone can do it together.”

And as for that dream finish line photo? “We’ll keep trying. Maybe one day we’ll even do an event overseas as a family. Until then, one race at a time, one memory at a time.”