“I have thoughts in my head that maybe triathlon doesn’t suit me at all, but part of me wants to try again” Rupert mumbles sincerely.
However, instead of giving up, through those races he learned what he needs to enhance. Rupert underwent proper training and technique corrections. He had help from Kevin Siah with his training plans, those hard work eventually paid off as he started going on podiums more often. In 2014, while training for Ironman Langkawi, Rupert and a group of like-minded friends started Bunanamo Tri Club as their training platform. Just like anyone who was just starting, Rupert also starts small. His first few triathlons were not as grand as we think could be after what he achieved 7 years later. He swims, bike and runs his way up.
STROKE. PEDAL. PACE. IRONMAN RACE
“I’m an AWA awardee so I will be targeted during the race, their aim will be to go past me. However, that pushes me more, not to lose focus and to maintain my rank”
Last year’s Ironman Langkawi, Rupert was the 2nd Malaysian to finish the race with the time of 10 hours and 31 minutes. Even in his first Ironman Langkawi way back in 2014, he already placed 3rd for overall Malaysian category. Rupert has been appointed as the Ironman Asia Ambassador that is somewhat befitting as he is no stranger to long- distance and endurance races having raced twice in Ironman Malaysia and 4 half Ironman distance (70.3 miles) races. Apart from that, he normally ended up on a podium, in which earned him an All World Athlete (AWA) Gold by Ironman and be the 1st Malaysian Male to receive such award.
AWA was created by Ironman, it is a recognition given for the performance triathletes delivered during a race. It’s a point system wherein if you win you will earn certain points. Based on rankings and the accumulated points you earned in each Ironman race. If you received this award once you joined an Ironman race you will receive a special treatment such as sitting at VIP tables and your racing BIB will also be in gold. For Rupert, this is both an advantage and disadvantage for him.
“Other pro athletes will see my bib is in gold so they already know that I’m an AWA awardee so I will be targeted during the race, their aim will be to go past me. However, that pushes me more, not to lose focus and to maintain my rank” He explains. Rupert eventually wants to turn the tide around and used this opportunity to work on his most advantage.
