For five years, Hazmi Isa had his eyes on the Kapas Marang Swimathon. He wasn’t avoiding it—he was just waiting for the right time. And in 2025, that time finally came.

“I have been aiming to compete in Kapas Marang since my first day actively participating in open water swimming,” Hazmi said. “It’s just a matter of time—and 2025 is it.”

Known for its unpredictable waters, the 6.5km swim from Kapas Island to Marang has long held mythical status in Malaysia’s open water scene. “The current has always been talked about among swimmers,” he said. “The organiser did brief us about where it usually pushes swimmers to, but 2025? It was a curveball for all of us.”

Mid-race, Hazmi found himself fighting for position—literally. A wrong sighting at the 5km mark threw him off course. “I knew it was kinda like suicide, swimming against the current,” he admitted. “But one thing in my mind—I just wanted to finish the race. I needed to push all the energy I had for the last 1km.”

And that’s when the real challenge began—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally.

“I always keep in my mind that I need to be calm and composed. Try not to break the swim rhythm—‘Swim Zen.’ And if we lose it, keep calm and tune back the swim rhythm.”

Hazmi had been advised the night before to double-check everything—gear, goggles, the works. But even preparation couldn’t completely shield him. Add to that an ongoing shoulder injury, and it became a race of endurance, not just pace.

“During the swim, I just tried my best to not break the technique I’ve been practising,” he said. “Because in terms of injury in swimming, form or technique is one of the factors that can lead to it.”

What kept him going, even through the pain? “As a Muslim, prayer is the key. Positive self-talk is really helpful.”

But it wasn’t just about the swim. Hazmi had more than currents on his mind. His daughter had been warded in hospital just days before the race.

“Honestly, I was planning to cancel everything,” he said. “But my wife told me to finish the race. She said she could take care of our daughter. No magic words from her—but the way she said it to me really meant everything.”

That quiet support became his driving force in the water.

“100% yes, that emotional ‘why’ helped me push through,” he said. “Because in any sport, it’s not just physical. Mental toughness is really needed as well.”

By the final stretch, everything clicked. “At that moment, I realised I needed to swim smarter. But of course, for the last 1km—I swam harder,” he said, laughing.

From a coach’s perspective, Hazmi knows that growth isn’t just about grinding out laps. “Not all swim training needs to be high volume or distance,” he shared. “Sessions focusing on speed, open water swimming techniques, and even practising other strokes will help.”

He also noticed something he was proud of: progress in his own sighting technique. “After a few races that I had, I realised my sighting techniques were getting better. I’ve compared all the data from my smartwatch—I need to keep up the good things from my sighting,” he said. “As all swimmers wish: look to swim efficiently and fast.”

And the best part of the race? Not the finish line or the medal—it was the people.

“Looking at everyone enjoying the race, supporting each other, and how the organisers tried their best to make sure we had a good experience—that was the best part for me.”

For Hazmi, success isn’t a solo act. “It’s super important, that sense of camaraderie,” he said. “Because I believe success doesn’t 100% come from ourselves. It has to come from the people around us too.”

 

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Now, it’s time for recovery mode. “I’ll probably need to recondition or treat my shoulder,” he said. “Improve my technique, my timing, keep training, and hopefully get better for the next race.”

But don’t count him out of Kapas Marang just yet. “I’m looking forward to giving it another hit next year, Inshallah.”

And that moment when his feet hit the sand after battling waves, injury, and emotion? It meant more than just crossing a finish line.

“I know that I’ve done my best as an athlete. Now it’s time for me to give my best shot for my family and my athletes,” Hazmi said. “As I’m working as a Strength & Conditioning Coach at Institut Sukan Negara, I’ll be preparing our national athletes for the SEA Games at the end of this year.”

Job done? Yes. But the journey’s far from over.