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Mohd Amran Ghani and Chin Mei See proves fastest Malaysians at Ironman Malaysia 2016

Mohd Amran Ghani was the fastest Malaysian at the Ironman Malaysia 2016.
Mohd Amran Ghani was the fastest Malaysian at the Ironman Malaysia 2016.

The 2016 edition of IRONMAN Malaysia, Langkawi took place on November 12 on Langkawi Island. IRONMAN Malaysia has operated the race since its return to the island destination in 2014.

This year’s race saw 1,100 participants representing over 63 countries. International athletes made up 74% of the total, and Japan, the Philippines, Australia and Malaysia had the highest athlete counts of the countries represented. Participants were 87% male and 13% female. Forty-eight professional athletes from 25 countries participated in the race, competing for personal best times and USD 40,000 in total prize money. There were also 40 qualifying slots for the 2017 IRONMAN World Championships in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.

Chin Mei See was the fastest Malaysian female at Ironman Malaysia 2016.
Chin Mei See was the fastest Malaysian female at Ironman Malaysia 2016.

Firefighter Amran Abdul Ghani reclaimed his 2014 title of Best Malaysian Male with 10:09:04. Mei See Chin was once again the Best Malaysian Female with a time of 12:02:27, improving on her 2015 finishing time of 12:53:28.

Other notable participants included Malaysia’s first IRONMAN Asia Ambassador Rupert Chen (10:31:29), Sepang International Circuit CEO Dato’ Razlan Razali (16:14:44) and iflix CEO Azran Osman Rani (13:31:49).

Top athletes across all categories accepted IRONMAN World Championship slots for October 14, 2017 on The Big Island of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Yoshihito Munemasa, 70, raced in the 70-74 category and finished strong with a time of 13:53:09 to qualify. He has raced in Kona six times and achieved his first qualification via IRONMAN Malaysia, Langkawi fifteen years prior.

70 year old Japanese, Yoshihito Munemasa qualifies for the Ironman World Championship for the sixth time.
70 year old Japanese, Yoshihito Munemasa qualifies for the Ironman World Championship for the sixth time.
Rupert Chen (left) getting Yee Sze Mun's book autographed by the renowned Ironman himself.
Rupert Chen (left) getting Yee Sze Mun’s book autographed by the renowned Ironman himself.

Veteran Malaysian IRONMAN Yee Sze Mun, 79, also launched his book “The Bumble Bee in me – Living the IRONMAN Dream” during the race week. The book chronicles his experiences as an IRONMAN athlete, beginning with his first marathon at age 50, and his first triathlon at age 52.

“IRONMAN made me what I am today.  Chasing this same dream for the best part of 21 years has shaped and turned me into a better man, physically, mentally and in every aspect of my life.  It is my hope that this book can inspire people who want to be an IRONMAN, and become a better human being,” said Yee, who has qualified for the IRONMAN World Championships in Hawaii six times.

The 2016 IRONMAN Malaysia Langkawi was supported by Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), Malaysia Major Events, Malaysia Year of Festivals 2016, Kedah State, Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), Naturally Langkawi, Discover Kedah 2016, The Danna Langkawi, Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa Langkawi, Active, Brooks, Compressport, PowerBar, FinisherPix, Triathlon Association of Malaysia, Zoot and LILA.

For more information, visit www.IRONMANMalaysia.com.