“Something I’ve been looking forward to after 4 years has finally materialized, and now I’ve qualified for the SEA Games in Triathlon.”

Due to work and personal commitments, Aldrian Yeo had to skip the last two editions of the SEA Games, but he didn’t give up on his dream.

At the recent National Trial race held in tandem with the Everly TRIFactor Putrajaya International Triathlon, Aldrian won the Individual Olympic Distance (1.5km swim / 40km bike / 10km run) race. His dream has now come true, and he will be representing Malaysia at the upcoming Philippines SEA Games in November.

“During the race, I was feeling cautious and worried that my legs would cramp due to fatigue. But my race went well in the end and the cooling weather helped too.” said a jubilant and relieved Aldrian.

Prior to the National Trials, the full-time coach and founder of GoGetter Triathlon Squad had taken his squad to Kuching, Sarawak for a training camp which had been scheduled months earlier and couldn’t be cancelled. The training camp included long distance cycling which attributed to Aldrian’s fatigued legs.

Gearing up for the National selections, Aldrian had participated in three local races in Port Dickson, Melaka and Lumut, which prepared him well.

“Going towards the SEA Games, there will not be any Olympic Distance races, so I’ll probably be participating in ITU races in China or Japan. I will also recommence intensive training in August to reach my peak in four months” explained Aldrian.

Coming from a background of swimming and running in his teens, the Kuching-born Triathlete was introduced to Triathlon at the age of 16 in Kuching in a local race. He then participated in his first Sprint Triathlon, but was drawn to longer distances and endurance races so Triathlon fit the bill perfectly.

Aldrian has the perfect life partner in wife, Serena Yang who is also a National Triathlete having represented Malaysia in the Commonwealth Games. She was also selected for the Asian Games alongside Aldrian, however life had a different gift for her – in their firstborn son.

“I’m happy to be back racing with my wife, Serena and very impressed with her performance, just 5 months after delivering our firstborn. I think her comeback is very remarkable.”

Serena qualified as a reserve for the Individual Olympic Distance Triathlon. However, they will not be bringing their little one to the Philippines as the travel and transfer would not be ideal for him.