Yatim to compete in Finland meet
Published on: Thursday, June 08, 2023
By: GL Oh
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Yatim revealed that the organiser has given him the opportunity to take part in Lahti after missing the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in St. George in Utah, USA last year.
Kota Kinabalu: Triathlete Yatim Zainal Abidin is set to take part in the Vinfast Ironman 70.3 World Championship scheduled to be held in Lahti, Finland on August 27.The race consists of a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike and 13.1-mile run, and he will be competing in the 45-49 age group.
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The 47-year-old said this will be his swansong in the international scene and hopes it will be a better outing than he did at the “The Challenge-Family The Championship” race in Samorin, Slovakia back in 2021 where he failed to finish.
“I hope to do better in Lahti. I’ve learned from my experience in Samorin two years ago and I will be stronger and better prepared to face the challenge this time.
“I started my training since last year and will begin more intense sessions with three weeks of high altitude training in Kinabalu Park from July 1-21.
“The weather there is similar to Lahti and I will go to Bundu Tuhan as well to focus on swimming in cold conditions to avoid the repeat of the episode in Samorin where I had to abandon the race due to the extreme cold water,” he said.
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He revealed that the organiser has given him the opportunity to take part in Lahti after missing the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in St. George in Utah, USA last year.
“In January this year, the organiser replied via email to inform me that I’m still eligible despite missing the Utah Ironman race and they have given me the option to race either in New Zealand or Lahti.
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“I chose Lahti to avoid the hassle because there is no need for me to apply for a visa in order to enter the country.
“All arrangements including plane tickets and accommodation have already been made and now I am hoping to get a manager to travel with me.
“It is tough for me to go it alone. I need someone to take care of other important matters so that I can concentrate fully on my preparation and the race.”
Meanwhile, he thanked Sabah Sports Board, D’Villa Rina Ria Lodge and Ararat Sports for their assistance and hoped more sponsors will come forward to give their support.
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