In early November 2024, Malaysian athlete Collin Poh travelled to Sparta, Greece, to compete alongside elite athletes from around the world in the Spartan Trifecta World Championship. Set against a backdrop steeped in ancient warrior history, the three-day championship challenged participants with the trifecta of Spartan races: Sprint, Super, and Beast. This setting, rich with legendary symbolism, brought Poh a profound sense of purpose, turning the event into more than a physical contest.

For Collin, this championship was a deeply personal milestone. “My goal was to complete my first World Championship with a memorable experience,” he shared. Every obstacle tested his limits, pushing him further physically and mentally, and each finish line brought a surge of pride. In a meaningful gesture, Collin dedicated his medal to his wife, who had supported him throughout his Spartan journey. Her presence at the event provided unwavering encouragement, helping him find strength through each challenge.

Reflecting on his arrival in Sparta, Collin described the powerful emotions he felt as he prepared to race. “Standing beside the statue of King Leonidas made me proud of who I am,” he shared. Despite the anxiety of last-minute packing and preparation, the historical significance of Sparta reignited his focus.

In preparation, Collin had committed to a rigorous training schedule, combining short morning runs with evening strength and grip workouts during the week. On weekends, he intensified his training with long trail runs and hikes, conditioning himself for the grueling terrain. Yet, even with such preparation, the Spartan courses in Greece brought unexpected challenges.

The final race, the Beast, pushed him in ways he hadn’t anticipated. The relentless uphill terrain and challenging obstacles drained his stamina. Collin described one of his most challenging experiences: “Every penalty is brutal.” The slackline, a balance obstacle during the Beast, tested his focus and coordination, compounding the physical and mental strain.

The rugged environment added to these difficulties. During the Sprint, he slipped on a dusty rope, tearing the skin on his fingers. With no external medical assistance allowed, he dressed the wound himself and pushed forward, even as the injury weakened his grip and led to more penalties. “I had to switch to survival mode,” he recalled, explaining how he shifted his focus from competition to completion as he fought through the pain.

 

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To maintain his stamina, Collin relied on DEVER Energy Gels to sustain his energy and focus during the intense courses. “Having DEVER was like giving me a special boost to chase the superior warriors,” he said, crediting the gels for helping him power through the long, exhausting segments of the Super and Beast races.

In the midst of these challenges, Collin found encouragement and solidarity within the Spartan community. He teamed up with Firdaus, a team captain from Singapore, during the Super and Beast events, with both men motivating each other to persevere. “Encouraging each other is important, especially for mental strength,” he noted, emphasising the power of camaraderie in overcoming the race’s toughest moments.

 

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Completing the Trifecta World Championship in Sparta marked an unforgettable achievement for Collin. “Persistence works,” he reflected, noting how the experience reinforced his belief in hard work and mental endurance. Now, with Sparta behind him, Collin is looking forward to future Spartan events in Taiwan and Phuket, eager to continue challenging himself.

For others considering the Spartan Championship, his advice is clear: “You only live once. Go experience it, and you will definitely feel the difference.” His journey in Sparta stands as a testament to the Spartan ethos—resilience, community, and the unwavering determination to conquer life’s toughest challenges.