Every aspiring IRONMAN has an inspiring story, as does John Lim whose cancer-stricken parents supported him remotely.
The stunning scenery on the IRONMAN Malaysia course at Langkawi Island will be a blur for every hour, second and minute Singapore’s John Lim spends on it as he will have only two things on his mind – his parents and the race ahead of him.
The 40-year-old business owner has dedicated the race to his mother and father, who are both cancer patients, as a way of encouraging them to stay positive and strong.
Unfortunately, neither parent is well enough to travel to watch their son race at Langkawi Island, where triathletes will be taken on a Malaysian cultural journey through tropical, hilly and demanding terrain passing traditional kampungs (villages), mangrove clusters and rainforest vistas. But Lim’s parents will be with him in spirit, he says.
Although Lim tries to spend as much time as possible with his parents, work along with family and training commitments makes it tough to see them as much as he would like to. However, they are constantly in his thoughts when he trains, and as he competes.
“It reminds me that time is precious and it is ticking away. I’m hoping God will have mercy on both of them, so they can live longer or even recover,” he says.
Lim started competing in triathlons in 2007 when a buddy roped him into doing some training with him – despite his dislike of swimming.
“I have always been a runner since my school days but I was not a fan of swimming.However, after that I got hooked … I started with the 70.3 races and slowly progressed to full IRONMAN events.”
Lim has taken part in numerous races including IRONMAN Western Australia 2012; IRONMAN 70.3 Singapore, and other duathlons, ultramarathons and marathons and says he is looking forward to IRONMAN Malaysia after a trying time, training and caring for his parents.
“Physically they won’t be there but I’m sure they will be proud of me when I cross the finish line. Anything can happen on race day, I am just praying hard that all goes well,” he adds.
Regardless of what happens, Lim will leave everything out on the course at Langkawi, and show his parents that “nothing is impossible.”
John, Lim proudly finished 62 in his division with a commendable 15h:27m:04 finish. Kudos!
