Tahira first Malaysian woman to finish Ironman race despite last-minute participation

LANGKAWI – National athlete Tahira Najmunisaa Muhammad Zaid became the first Malaysian woman to finish in the Ironman 70.3 Langkawi race.

Tahira, who represented the country at this year’s Hanoi SEA Games, joined the race at the eleventh hour after her daughter’s open-heart surgery was postponed.

She clocked in 5h 14m 55s in her first ever Ironman 70.3 race. 

“I really did not expect to be even racing today because my daughter was supposed to have open heart surgery last week.

“But it got postponed to next week, and even the doctor suggested that I participate in the race.

“I was not sure about it, as I have not been swimming for quite some time now. But I put my faith in the cycling and running discipline, as I am strong in both categories.

“The rain today also helped me maintain a good pace,” said the SEA Games silver medallist.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Haziq Junaidy was the first Malaysian male finisher with a time of 4h 52m 39s. He targeted to finish the race under 4h 25m.

“I did not want to go too hard on the bike course, because I wanted to conserve some energy on the final run course. 

“It all worked out in the end and allowed me to hold on to my title as the fastest Malaysian finisher in the Ironman 70.3 Langkawi,” said the 27-year-old Haziq, who celebrates his birthday today. 

In today’s race, Romania’s Toma Alexandru came in first overall for the men’s category with a time of 4h 18m 46s, while Singapore’s Choo Ling Er crossed the line first in the women’s category in 4h 47m 29s. – The Vibes, November 5, 2022