On most weekends in Putrajaya, while many families are easing into a leisurely breakfast, the Widjaya household is loading five bikes into the car. Helmets, wetsuits, running shoes, and snacks for the younger ones are packed in a rush. Imelda Anjayani, mother of five, calls it “our version of family time.” For her, triathlon isn’t just a sport her children pursue. It has become the glue that holds them together.

The journey began almost by accident. Friends from the Australian International School Malaysia invited them to join the 113 Series Marlborough College Triathlon years ago. “We treated it like a holiday, a racecation,” Imelda recalls. That first taste was enough to spark something bigger. The children loved the challenge, but more importantly, they loved the feeling of sharing it as a family. From then on, races became a way of life.

Now, the Widjaya siblings – Michaella (17), Gabrielle (15), Rafaella (12), Yuriel (9), and Jofiel (7) – train every weekend with TEAM M3X, a non-profit that gathers young triathletes and their families. The routine is demanding. There are swims, runs, long bike rides, and transition drills. The logistics are a headache too. “Imagine bringing five bikes to every race,” Imelda says. Yet with older siblings helping the younger ones, and with Imelda orchestrating the moving parts, the system works.

Imelda knows this rhythm well because she herself was once an athlete, representing Indonesia in aerobic gymnastics. That experience shapes how she guides her children now. “Sport is a foundation,” she says. “It teaches discipline, resilience, teamwork, and confidence. Those values carry into school, into friendships, into life.”

But she is careful to keep things balanced. With competitive children, it would be easy to let pressure take over. She refuses. “Winning is not always the main goal. What matters is that they give their best and achieve their personal best. Life is more than just competition.”

The sacrifices are real. Triathlon isn’t cheap, and it consumes time. Imelda admits it has been a juggling act, splitting herself between work, family, and five athletes’ schedules. Yet passion has created opportunity. Their consistency and dedication have even opened doors for scholarships and support. Still, Imelda insists it is not the medals or recognition that matter most. “Those things are a bonus. What matters is the journey.”

For the younger ones, the journey often begins with play. Imelda makes sure sport is never too heavy too soon. Short runs that end in games, pool races that feel more like fun than training. Over time, discipline slips in naturally. Seeing their older sisters earn recognition also motivates the younger ones without words needing to be spoken.

That family ecosystem of support is what gives Imelda confidence heading into the International Endurance Festival 2025 @ Melaka. The race will take place from 13 to 14 September 2025 at Encore Melaka and offers categories in Triathlon and Duathlon with both individual and relay options, along with Aquathlon for individual participants only. It is designed to be one of the region’s most inclusive and exciting endurance weekends.

Preparation is both physical and mental. Structured sessions cover swim, bike, run, and strength, while conversations at home focus on calmness and visualisation. “We remind them to enjoy the race,” she says. “When they’re happy, they race their best.”

The 113 Series holds a special place for the Widjayas. Safety, inclusivity, and professionalism make it more than just another race. With categories ranging from children as young as six to seniors over sixty, it allows the whole family to be part of something together. For Imelda, that is the essence of why they do this.

There have been struggles, from squeezed schedules to financial strain to moments of fatigue. But the rewards are clear. She has watched her children grow not only as athletes but as people: more resilient, confident, and empathetic. They celebrate each other’s victories, but they also know how to lift each other when things don’t go as planned.

Imelda has no illusions about where this road leads. She doesn’t measure success in medals or records. “Triathlon is first a tool for life values,” she says firmly. “If they get success in sport, wonderful. But if they carry discipline, humility, and resilience into their future, that’s the real win.”

 

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She often tells other parents who are hesitant to let their children try endurance sports to start small and keep it fun. Don’t rush. Don’t compare. Just enjoy the process together. “Time with kids is precious,” she says. “They grow so fast. Sport gives us a way to share that time meaningfully.”

As race day in Melaka approaches, the Widjaya family will again pile into the car with bikes and bags, laughter and nerves. For Imelda, the finish line is never the end. It is just another step in a journey that continues long after medals are handed out.

“Triathlon teaches you that success doesn’t come overnight,” she says. “It takes consistency, sacrifice, and joy. That’s the lesson I want my kids to carry for life.”