Octogenarian proves age not a barrier to competing in extreme sports
"I have competed in 21 Ironman events worldwide and completed 16 of them."
KOTA TINGGI - Octogenarian Yee Sze Mun is proof that age is just a number even for an extreme sport like Ironman.
The 86-year-old said he first competed in the Ironman competition in Kona, Hawaii when he was 58 and the last one was in Langkawi last year.
"I have competed in 21 Ironman events worldwide and completed 16 of them. If I had not been involved in an accident while cycling last year, I would have competed in this Ironman,” he told Bernama when met at a booth selling books in conjunction with the Ironman 70.3 Desaru Coast here recently.
Yee, fondly nicknamed 'Cina Ah Pek among the extreme sports fraternity, said he has achieved six podium finishes - three as champion, twice as runners-up and once in third place.
"At first, I wasn't keen on such extreme sports, but after being advised by the doctor to be active in sports following some health issues, I got stuck in and slowly 'fell in love’ with it.
"Although I started late and many were not convinced of my capability, I was determined to succeed. Hopefully, this will inspire youngsters keen on trying their hands at this extreme sport,” he said.
In addition to the Ironman competition, Yee of Sentul, Kuala Lumpur said he has also competed in 41 running events, completing 37 of them en route to achieving 10 podium finishes.
In fact, the veteran Ironman has also competed in over 200 Olympic distance triathlon events.
Commenting on the two books written based on his experience in competing in various extreme sports at such an old age, Yee hopes they will be used as a guide for fans of the sport.
"I have many fond memories throughout my involvement in Ironman and that led me to produce these two books - 'The Bumble Bee in Me' and 'The Unexpected Finisher' - for general reading,” he said. - BERNAMA
