Nordin Jadi extols virtues of sports, fitness through athletics, cycling

KUALA LUMPUR – Former Olympian athlete Nordin Jadi aims to influence the youth to get involved in sports through his track and field coaching programme.

Speaking to The Vibes, he said that after retiring from competitive sports, the 60-year-old has been filling his time by coaching Malaysia Games (Sukma) athletes, children and veterans in track and field.

“I don’t want to stop doing this. I want to help my community lead a healthy lifestyle no matter what age they are.

“I conduct my training all over Johor, but I’m based in the Educity Sports Complex in Gelang Patah or near my place in Taman Sutera in Johor Baru. My sessions are usually in the mornings and early evenings.”

In the past, Nordin had represented Malaysia in two Olympics – Los Angeles in 1984 and Seoul in 1988 – as well as in the 1984 SEA Games.

“My passion has always been in athletics. So, when I was appointed as the flag bearer for the Olympics, I felt extremely proud.

“I never thought that I could make it that far − all the while thinking that I was just a kampung boy.

“Ever since I first participated in my primary school’s sports day, I’ve won several athletics events, including the 400m relay, and I went on to represent both the state and country.

“In no time, I was breaking records and represented the country in both the Olympics and the SEA Games.”

The opportunity to represent the country in the international arena and train in the US and Germany gave him the strength and motivation to do better.

“If I − a kampung boy − could achieve all this, why not share my knowledge and experience with the next generation?

“I think kids nowadays have more activities. With the social media influence at play, I ask myself in what way can I get more youngsters to be interested in sports and live healthily,” added the Johorean.

Apart from athletics, cycling has been a part of Nordin’s life since he was young. He used to ride his bicycle daily with his friends around the village.

Since he didn’t have the chance to represent the country in cycling, he decided to take on the challenge of participating in Malaysia’s first amateur cycling race − L’Étape Malaysia by Tour de France − on June 4.

“I’m excited at the opportunity to take part in this type of race for the first time.

“With only days left before I join L’Étape Malaysia, I will take this as a challenge to not only prove that I can do this but also to set a good example for my students.

“From what I gather, the route is quite challenging as it won’t be flat (terrain) all the way − there will be some elevation.”

Nordin will participate in L’Étape Malaysia as part of The Vibes team.

With his involvement, he aims to influence more youngsters to join his athletics programme and help motivate them to do better in sports.

“I’m honoured to ride with The Vibes. This is how I upgrade myself − by being part of a big media group to influence people about the benefits of cycling.

“I’ve observed that more and more people are starting to pick up cycling. Many have jumped onto this trend, and you can see it more ever since the MCO (movement control order) was relaxed,” he added.

L’Étape Malaysia − with 4,700 registered participants – has been recorded as the world’s second largest L’Étape by Tour de France series event.

Having been organised in more than 20 countries, including Australia, Indonesia, Thailand, China and France, Malaysia is the latest nation to host the prestigious event.

L’Étape Malaysia offers riders a choice of two routes − 140km and 60km − and the option to participate as solo riders or as team members.

The Vibes is the official media partner for L’Etape Malaysia, and is participating in two teams sponsored by the Vinod Sekhar Foundation.

The Vibes is a PETRA News company which also publishes the Bahasa Malaysia portal Getaran.– The Vibes, May 28, 2022