Army commando Muhaizar Mohamad, a father of three, put in only 25 days of high altitude training and won a surprise bronze medal in the men’s marathon in his SEA Games debut.
Gurun-born Muhaizar who is based in Sungai Udang, Melaka clocked 2:31.52 for his third placing in the 42km run – which ended Malaysia’s 44-year wait for a medal in men’s marathon after M. Solaimuthu’s bronze in 1973 in Singapore.
Singapore’s Guillaume Soh retained his gold with a time of 2:29.27 while Indonesia’s Agus Prayogo clinched the silver in 2:31.20.
Another Malaysian Tan Huong Leong finished fourth, clocking 2:32.11 in a field of 15 runners. Three runners – Agravante Jeson Oyco, Ausguto Ramos Soares (Timor Leste) and Thailand’s Boonthung Srisung – did not finish the race.
National athletics head coach Zainal Abas described Muhaizar’s bronze as “bonus” as the top six runners had better times compared to the Malaysians.
“It is the beginning of new era for marathon in Malaysia. The bronze won by Muhaizar is an achievement we can be proud of,” said Zainal.
Muhaizar, 32, dedicated the win to his family and parents and all others who have supported him.
“To win a medal in my SEA Games debut is inspiring and boost to my athletics career. I had only 25 days of high altitude training in Baguio (Philippines) and it did me good.
Muhaizar used to run the 3,000 steeplechase and the 1.500 before he switched to marathon and found his niche.
“Hopefully, winning the bronze medal will see better things to come and I hope to get a permanent coach. At present I train on my own in Camp Sungai Udang with a friend who is into triathlon.”
“This is my biggest achievement since I switched to marathon four years ago. It makes me proud to win a medal for Malaysia in marathon after 40 over years,” added Muhaizar, whose previous personal best was 2:35.55.
