The 2019 SEA Games has come to an end but the great performance showed by our local heroes remain vivid in our memories.

Malaysia’s ‘Spartan Giant’, Mohd Saddam Mohd Pittli aka Saddam Pittli was one of them that made Malaysia proud with a silver and a bronze medal for the ‘Mixed Team Assist 400m X 12 Obstacles’ and the ‘Individual 5K X 20 Obstacles’ races respectively.

Q: We know that Saddam has worked hard and have clinched a silver (400m) and a bronze medal (5K) in the SEA Games’ OCR event. How do you feel about this achievement?
A: For the 400m, I am truly happy with the silver medal. The Mixed Team Assist was difficult for us because one of our members had an ankle injury prior to the games in The Philippines. Even with that in mind, we still had the mentality on gaining at least a medal for Malaysia. If the team was in perfect condition, I believe that we would be able to achieve gold in the event.

On the other hand, I was slightly disappointed with the bronze medal for the 5k event. If my focus was only for the 5K event, I am confident that I will be able to get a gold medal.

Q: Can you tell us more about the obstacle course that you had to face?
A: In terms of the race course, it was rather flat with little slopes. As for the obstacles, there was only 1 obstacle where every male and female athlete were required to carry a 40kg and 20kg weight respectively up a hill.

Q: What was your motivation when you are faced with such intense competition in the SEA Games?
A: My friends on the course were my biggest motivators. Their constant support were the ones that pushed me forward. I have also received unwavering support from my friends and fans on Facebook and Instagram, which reminded me that I am representing Malaysia for the Games, and not solely as a regular participant. It is my duty to lift our country’s name on the international arena and to clinch that medal. Therefore, throughout the race, the only thing that came to my mind was ‘never give up until I cross the finish line’.

Q: Now with the SEA Games over, what will be your next event?
A: I might be participating in Spartan Vietnam in February 2020.

Q: Is there anything you would like to share with your friends and supporters?
A: I would like to apologise to all my fans and supporters for not getting a gold medal for Malaysia. But I am also truly grateful for their words of encouragement before and after the race. Every bit of encouragement meant a lot to me. It would lift my spirit up to continue my training after the Games, and bring pride to the country on the international stage.

All in all, it was a great achievement by Saddam and we are really proud to have him represent the country. Let’s wish Saddam all the best in his future races and hope that he will continue to make Malaysia proud. #MalaysiaBoleh.

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