By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Oct 9: Eight endurance athletes from Kuching will proudly represent Sarawak at the upcoming Ironman Langkawi 2025 on Langkawi Island in Kedah on Nov 1.
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng lauded the athletes’ dedication and encouraged more young people to embrace sports.
“Sports instil discipline, resilience, and teamwork. I’m proud to see Kuching athletes carrying our city’s name onto the international stage. MBKS will continue to support initiatives that promote health, unity, and community spirit,” he said in a statement after the flag handover ceremony at MBKS Headquarters today.
Ironman Langkawi is one of Asia’s most iconic endurance races, drawing participants from over 50 countries. Competitors face the formidable challenge of completing a 3.8km swim, a 180km bike ride, and a 42.2km run within a 17-hour time limit.
The Kuching team includes eight athletes competing in the Full Ironman category, alongside several others participating in the Half Ironman (70.3) event. The athletes come from diverse professional backgrounds, including doctors, lawyers, engineers, entrepreneurs, educators, and public servants, reflecting Kuching’s inclusive sporting culture and its growing health-conscious community.
Among the team members is MBKS councillor Bong Siak Peng, an avid triathlete and endurance sports enthusiast who actively promotes healthy and active living among Kuching residents.
Team manager Wendy Ng, an experienced Ironwoman, noted that many young Kuchingites already excel in swimming, running, or cycling but require structured training to unify their skills.
“We believe Sarawakians have great potential to excel and even challenge our counterparts from West Malaysia,” she said.
Returning Ironman athlete Tom Jong, competing in the Full Distance for the third time, shared that his triathlon journey began in 2016. “The challenges, the camaraderie, and the unforgettable feeling of crossing the finish line sparked my passion for the sport,” he said.
The team also expressed heartfelt gratitude to MBKS, local sports clubs, and community supporters for their encouragement.
Following the Langkawi race, Team Kuching Triathlon plans to organise youth triathlon clinics and outreach programmes aimed at inspiring the next generation of athletes. — DayakDaily
