KUALA LUMPUR, June 2 — The Triathlon Association of Malaysia (TAM) is not setting a lofty target for the four-member squad making its SEA Games debut in Singapore.
“Our best performer in recent years was Kimberley Yap, who won gold at the last two editions (2005 and 2007). She will not compete this year but we’re still aiming for a bronze medal in the women’s event through Irene Chong.
“Only Myanmar’s Khrang Pan Seng stands in her way of a podium finish,” said TAM secretary-general Melody Tan.
“The preparation has been good. Irene recently returned from a training stint in Spain and that will certainly help her in Singapore,” said Tan.
Triathlon is returning to the Games after an eight-year lapse but Tan believes the sport can still make an impact.
“It will be a competitive affair as the venue (East Coast Park) has been a racing venue in the region for the last decade. Many of the contestants are familiar with the course, especially host Singapore.
“This tournament will also be a good platform to gauge our level in Southeast Asia,” added Tan.
The competing athletes will have to swim for one and a half kilometres, run 10km and cycle for 40km to finish the race.
To get them acclimatised to the venue, the athletes will be allowed a “test run” today, when they can cycle and swim the course.
