Trio of halted swimmers finish: 2011 Kapas Marang Swimathon
Kapas Marang Swimathon concluded successfully in Malaysia on April 24, 2011 with the presence of 265 athletes including three halted swimmers. Among the disable swimmers, one of them was without his both hands, the second one was
lesser of an arm while the third swimmer had the backbone difficulty. Despite of their disability, all of them completed their swims in a respectable time.
The disable swimmers trio completed their journey from Pulau Kapas to Pantai Kelulut yesterday, whereas the race was spread on a distance of 6.5 kilometres.
The most tragic disable swimmer, 29-year-old Zhariff Affendi, who was born without his arms, articulated that he is participating in such an event for the first time. He said that he has taken part in some swimming events, but
this one seemed very challenging to him, so he wanted to take that challenge.
"Today's event was very challenging. I faced some tough moments, especially when my nose started itching, probably due to the presence of jelly fish in the water throughout the race.”
Zhariff, who works in a consulting firm, stated that he has been involved in swimming since the age of four. "I was always a tough guy since birth and that was probably why my mother sent me for swimming classes when I was only
four," he added.
Zhariff completed 6.5km swim in 2 hours and 46 minutes and was very happy to complete the marathon, as it was his first participation. He said that these swims are very challenging and he will keep participating in such future
event.
In the mean time, chairman to the committee of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Heritage, Datuk Abdul Rahin Mohd uttered that from the next year, Kapas-Marang International Swimathon would extend its span to a simultaneous beach run,
as it would add to the success of this event.
He announced that the 6.5km swim will be inducted at the same destination; Pulao Kapas whereas, the 50km beach run will have Ranta Abang as its starting point while Pantai Kelulut will be its finishing point.
Jason Hsieh Chun Shing of Hong Kong dominated the 20-34 years' Men’s section by completing his swim in a time of 1 hour, 26 minutes and 06 seconds. In the Men’s category of 35-49 years', Andrew Tebutt of United Kingdom earned the
title in 1 hour, 32 minutes and 14 seconds.
In addition, Lai Mei Juan of Malaysia earned the title for the event in a time of 1 hour, 33 minutes and 38 seconds whereas Malaysia’s Neo Hseng Zjue of 12-19yrs age bracket occupied the podium for the gold medal in a time of 1
hour, 40 minutes and 30 seconds.
This is the first time that three disable swimmers competed in a swimathon and completed their swims. Their completion speaks of their victory and the crowd applauded for their beautiful swims at this distant event.
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