Before Hafis Said ever represented Malaysia at the SEA Games or stood on an international podium, he was just a kid watching Ninja Warrior, not even knowing obstacle courses existed in Malaysia.

“But once I found out,” he says, “I was hooked.”

That discovery kicked off a journey powered by passion for extreme sports and a growing desire to test his limits. When Hafis realised he had potential, he didn’t hold back. He set his sights on the international stage, and step by step, he got there.

Now, fresh off a podium finish with his Ninja Gelak-Gelak teammates at the SEA OCR Championship 2025, Hafis is headed back to a race that feels more personal: the Viper Challenge in Johor this 23-24 August 2025.

“This one’s about connection, teamwork, and remembering why I started,” he says. “I love seeing new faces try OCR for the first time.”

For Hafis, the difference between international races and community events like Viper comes down to mindset. At high-level competitions, every second counts. Training gets technical, with a focus on grip strength, speed, and obstacle precision. But at Viper, the pressure shifts. It’s more about pacing, mental endurance, and staying steady from start to finish.

“You don’t need to rush every obstacle,” he says. “You just need to last the whole course.”

That doesn’t mean his training takes a back seat. Hafis still puts in the work with trail runs, strength sessions for carries and climbing, and grip-focused drills. He’s also learned the hard way how easy it is to burn out when recovery gets sidelined.

“Recovery and mobility are so important, but a lot of athletes skip that part,” he says. “Also, grip endurance matters more than people realise, especially when you’re already fatigued.”

Even with all that structure, Hafis adjusts his approach depending on the event. For Viper, he’s focused more on flow, pacing, and managing fatigue. It’s less about perfection and more about presence, sharing the experience with others, and giving back to the local OCR community that helped him grow.

“I still give my best, but when it’s a grassroots event, the goal is different. I want to support others, enjoy the moment, and help grow the sport here.”

 

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Looking ahead, Hafis still wants more. He’s aiming for more international races, more personal progress, and more ways to inspire new athletes in Malaysia. But representing the country goes beyond medals.

“It’s not just about wearing the flag,” he says. “It’s about carrying the hopes of people who believe in this sport. I want others to see that even if you don’t have the perfect background, you can still grow with consistency, hard work, and passion.”

For Hafis, the Viper Challenge isn’t the end goal. It’s another checkpoint. Another climb. Another chance to prove what’s possible, starting from the mud and reaching for something bigger.