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SEA Games 2019 Triathlon

Edwin Thiang grows from Triathlon Kid to SEA Games Qualifier

Edwin Thiang (left) will represent Malaysia at the Philippines SEA Games in the Super Sprint Triathlon event with Chong Xian Hao, Aimi Iwasaki and Yeong Zhen Yi. (TeyET)

For the first time in SEA Games history, a Super Sprint Mixed Relay team event will be contended in Triathlon besides the Individual Olympic Distance event at the upcoming Philippines SEA Games 2019.

Edwin Thiang will be one of the four Malaysians who will represent our country in the 300m Swim/7km Bike/1km Run team relay in November. The Selangor-born athlete will also be the reserve for the Individual Olympic Distance event.
At the recent The Everly Putrajaya TriFactor International Triathlon 2019, the Malaysian Triathlon federation held an open selection to choose Triathletes to represent Malaysia at the SEA Games.
“In the Super Sprint, my race went very well, all according to my plan and strategy. It is a fast and high intensity race therefore I really have to stay very focus to execute the race to the best that it can be,” said the 23 year old Triathlete.
“For this short race, the swim part is crucial as it gives you a huge advantage if you’re up with the first pack, and that’s what I did. On the bike, I keep pushing to increase the gap from the chase pack and for the run, I went all out as it’s only 1km. I’m glad that I finished as 2nd, which qualifies me for the upcoming SEA Games.” Edwin explained on his qualification to the SEA Games.
The qualification race for the Individual Olympic Distance event was held the following day, and it impacted Edwin’s race plan. It was another high intensity race and he was pushing his limits throughout the race.
“Was feeling fatigued during the swim, probably because I’ve race the Super Sprint race the day prior. The swim was longer by 600m, as it was supposed to be 1.5km but turned out to be 2.1km,” said Edwin.
“The Bike leg was decent, as three of us (Aldrian, Wen Jun and I) worked well together and we managed a strong bike split. I was disappointed with my run as it turned out below my expectation, but I guess that’s the best I could do with only 2 months of run training, since coming back from my run injury. From the start I knew that strongest runner on the day will win the race.” he continued.
Leading up to the Games, Edwin and his coach will analyse his weaknesses and issues from the National Selection race and work on it. He will also take be participating in more races, both local and international, to gain more race experience and to constantly improve his performance leading up to Sea Games.
“Mental preparation is also something that I’m working on now and I’ll will definitely continue doing it for the next few months,” said Edwin.
Edwin and coach Rupert Chen (right)

Currently, Edwin now trains with Rupert Chen from RC Coaching, who writes his overall training program and analizes his fitness and performance. In addition, he also trains under Team TIME’s swim coach, Shauqie Aziz.

Family plays a big role in Edwin’s foray into Triathlon. He started swimming at the age of seven, and participated in his first kids Triathlon at the age of 10. Following his father’s footsteps into running and cycling, it was bonding time for the father and son.

And as years passed, he decided to solely focus on Triathlon and at the age of 16, he delved in Triathlon training and went on to represent Malaysia in a Junior Asian Championship in Japan.

“Since then, I have never looked back and continued the sport till today. It’s not a easy journey, but I know that one day I’ll get to where I wanna be.”

Photos provided by Edwin Thiang.