none other than my favorite... the Sports stories...
Mr Bodybuilder Malaysia
31 October 2006 ~ Bodybuilder Sazali Samad created history for Malaysia when he won his third Mr Universe title in the 60th edition of the world amateur championships in Ostrava, the Czech Republic, on Sunday night. Sazali, competing in the below 65kg bantamweight category involving 20 participants, survived three elimination rounds. In the final, Sazali defeated five-time champion Jose Carlos Santos of Brazil and Anwar Ahmed Mohamad of Egypt to the title.
It is the third time that Sazali has won the bantamweight world title and he is also the first Malaysian in the history of bodybuilding to do so. Sazali took his first title when Malaysia hosted the championships in 2000 and he repeated the feat in Moscow in 2004. He was the silver medallist in last year's championships in Shanghai. The first Malaysian to win a world title was Clancy Ang in 1962.
"I am really excited to win the world title for the third time," said Sazali in a telephone interview from Ostrava shortly after he was declared the winner. "I had a close fight with the Brazilian, who was the winner last year. It was the motivation from the National Sports Council (NSC), my association and American coach Milos Sarcev that gave me the confidence to push myself to do well."
For the 38-year-old, the success was just reward for having to cut short his Hari Raya celebrations with his family. Sazali only spent the first day of Hari Raya with his family in his hometown of Batu Pahat before leaving for Ostrava. Winning the world title has also lifted his confidence to aim for an Asian Games gold medal in Doha in December. He is a five-time Mr Asia and expectations are high on Sazali to succeed in Doha. Sazali, who is a policeman in Bukit Aman, said that he would not rest on his laurels.
"It means a lot for the country and for me that I do well in Doha. This is going to be my first Asian Games and I plan to train even harder," he said. Sazali did not compete in the 2002 Busan Asiad because he was serving a six-month suspension imposed by the Asian Bodybuilding Federation (ABF) for appearing in a dietary supplement advertisement. Malaysia were also represented at the world championships by Doha Asiad-bound Liaw Teck Leong. But the 2002 Busan Asiad silver medallist did not make the semi-finals of the below 85kg middleweight category. Sazali and Teck Leong will be heading for California for a three-week physical and conditioning stint under Sarcev.
Malaysia's Sazali Samad (third from right) and the other participants pose for the photographers in Ostrava on Sunday. Sazali was declared the winner of the below 65kg bantamweight catergory.
***** NOW, WHO SAYS MALAYSIA TAK BOLEH???? Make us proud Sazali!!! I used to watch him in local competitions previously & I have his poster, personally given & signed by him... :)
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Bike boost for triathlete
18 October 2006 ~ Triathlete Wong Ah Thiam has considered himself as a winner in his own right ahead of his second appearance in the Ford Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii on Saturday. The former national cyclist has received a pleasant boost from his employer LeRun Industries Sdn Bhd in the form of a spanking new customised Polygon Helios TT bicycle specially made for time trial and triathlon competitions. When MetroSport visited him at his work place in Bangsar on Thursday, his joy was written all over his face. His beaming smile was similar to the reflection of a delighted young boy finally receiving a desired toy he has been yearning for.
"I have waited for a long time for this. It is a dream come through. I am grateful to my employer for their full backing to help me to realise my dream in scaling greater heights in the triathlon," said Wong, who serves as a mechanic at the Rodalink bicycle retail outlet. The full carbon frame that weighs 1.8kg including the seat post and frame is tailored to his 1.83m body structure. The frame is made in Indonesia and is priced at USD$2,500 (RM9,466). "The bike will be fitted with Shimano Ultegra 10-speed components," explained Wong, adding that the complete bike will cost almost RM15,000.
Although he received his bike a week prior to the race, he is confident that the new set of wheels with aerodynamic features will assist his to reduce his time on the cycling leg. Wong's accomplishments as a national cyclist include two silver medals at SEA Games. He won the silver medals in 4,000m team pursuit and 186km road race held at Jakarta in 1997 and Kuala Lumpur in 2001 respectively.
For the world championship course that comprises a 3.8km swim, 180.2km cycling and 42.2km run, Wong has qualified to compete in the 30-34 years category with his 18th place finish at the Langkawi Ironman in February with a time of 10'15. "Swimming is not my strongest discipline. Although cycling is my forte, it is not going to be an easy cruise because of the heat. Another obstacle on the bicycle ride course is coping with the headwind," explained Wong.
Wong captured the Standard Chartered Nations Challenge for the Southeast and South Asia category title at the Ironman Korea Triathlon held in Seogwipo City, Jeju Island (South Korea) in August with his second place finish in the men's 30-34 years age-group. He crossed the finish line in a time of 8’57 with the swimming leg called off due to a downpour. Last month , he also finished third in the 30-39 years age group at the Desaru Half Ironman.
Wong, who took up triathlons after his competitive cycling career ended, spends about 20 hours in training a week to prepare for the world championship. "I rested for a week after the race in Korea. Despite cutting down on the hours in training, I am keeping myself in shape by clocking the mileage for the three disciplines," he explained. He has vowed to go all out to repay his employer's faith in him. "My aim is to clock my personal best at the world championship by dipping below 10 hours," said Wong. He plans to come out off the water in 1'10 and completes the cycling route and marathon run in 5'10 and 3'40 respectively. "I completed the cycling course in 5'09 in Korea on the old bike. I am confident that I can do better than that on the new bike."
Last year, he finished 783th in his debut at the world championship in Kona, Hawaii.
"I am also eyeing to be among the top 500 finishers in a field of 1,793 competitors this year," he said. Come December, Wong will participate in his final international assignment for the season at the Phuket Triathlon.
Wong with his new set of wheels that weighs in at only 1.8kg.
*** Admiring his humbleness & down to earth & of course his killing smile... he saved my life during KL Marathon this year...
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TV Marathon??
Sunday October 15, 2006 - 11 in TV watching marathon competition
PENANG: After finishing third in the 36-hour Sweet-Sleep Marathon held here last year, secretary Cindy Tan Ruan Mey is now eyeing the top prize in another rather wacky contest. The 25-year-old is taking a shot at the 36-hour TV Watch-ing Marathon challenge, which began at Gurney Plaza yesterday. The winner will be an-nounced today at 10pm. And she is confident of winning. "I have watched Cantonese series non-stop for nine to 10 hours at home. this should serve as my preparation for the challenge." Ruan Mey came for the contest with sister Mindy Tan Seow Chuen, 18, also one of the finalists shortlisted.
Thirteen finalists were shortlisted for the finals but only 11 turned up. During the 36-hour challenge, participants are required to watch 20 shows and answer some questions. The three who accumulate the most points will receive a 29-inch Panasonic television. They will also receive senQ cash vouchers worth RM800, RM600 and RM400 respectively.
*** What's this?? They are making full use of the word "MARATHON"... Whatever lah people, just have fun...
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A respectful salute to Peter Tee... may he rest in peace
3 October 2006 ~ Veteran athlete killed in road accident
Retired Chief Customs officer Peter Tee Thean Huat, a veteran sportsman who participated in about 40 triathlons and duathlons, died in an accident in Penang recently. He was 72. Fellow athlete Christopher Dass said Tee, who was the oldest participant in triathlons that he joined since 1998 and duathlons since 2002, was a veteran sportsman who advocated ‘good health for a good life’. "He completed the triathlons and duathlons all over the country and in Singapore and although he was never a top finisher, he earned many minor placings," said Christopher, 53.
A triathlon is an endurance contest involving swimming, cycling and running in succession while a duathlon usually consists of running, cycling and back to running.
On Sept 27, Tee was crossing Jalan Datuk Keramat to get to the Lorong Kulit flea market when he was knocked by a car. He died in the afternoon without regaining consciousness due to severe head injuries. Christopher said Tee, an ex-Penang Free School student, was a keen sportsman who represented his school in rugby and badminton, adding that he also represented the Customs in swimming and badminton. "Whenever we met at a coffee shop for a drink and a chat, Peter would tell his friends to exercise, stay healthy and lead a good life, for without good health, wealth is of no importance," he said. Tee, who is survived by his wife Lim Tse Chiang and sons Boon Teong and Boon Ian, was cremated at the Batu Gantung crematorium on Friday.
*** Uncle Peter as I called him.... a very nice old man... I always asked his secret & his only word is "TRAINING"... May you rest in peace Sir..
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Sorry, I don't really have interesting Raya stories... neway, I'll write a few soon...
...forgive me please...
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