Training for the Ironkids event can help children develop resilience and grit. — Photo: Ironman Langkawi
THICK, dark clouds loomed over Langkawi, along the stretch where 300 young athletes gathered for Ironkids – the junior category to the gruelling Ironman Langkawi triathlon.
A surge of wind breezed through the coconut trees, but the kids at the starting line were unfazed, brimming with excitement as they eyed the open swim course ahead.
Some could be seen quietly wishing for rain, for a last-minute reprieve that might cancel the race.
But as the weather slowly improved, the organisers rearranged race paraphernalia like flags and A-frame banners – that were initially set aside due to the strong winds – before calling the young athletes to gather at the starting line, metres from the water’s edge.
This year’s race, held in October, saw a record turnout, doubling last year’s participants. The children, aged 17 and below, rallied at the beach for two events – aquathlon and community run, each with multiple age categories.
For parents cheering from the sidelines, these mini-triathletes weren’t just competing.
They were building resilience, focus and grit – qualities that some believe will serve them well beyond race day.
“Competing in events like Ironkids can boost a child’s confidence, resilience and goal-setting abilities which contribute positively to mental health,” says clinical psychologist Dr Pamilia Lourdunathan.
While a child’s mental, emotional and social development begins at birth, she explains, taking part in competitive activities during childhood and adolescence can support psychological growth.
She, however, adds a caveat: “As long as the focus is on enjoyment, not on winning.”
Three generations of Fauzul Asrar Osman’s family at Ironkids Langkawi. — Photos: FAUZUL ASRAR OSMAN
Taking the plunge
Siblings Ainul Mardhiah Fauzul Asrar, 11, and Muhammad Umar Irfan, nine, had butterflies in their stomachs as they got ready for the first discipline of the aquathlon race.
Ainul competed in the 11-17 years category, with a 200m swim followed by a 3.6km run, while Muhammad Umar took on a 100m swim and a 1.8km run in the seven to 10 years category.
“It was their first time competing in an open water swim,” says their father, Fauzul Asrar Osman. “But when they reached the shore, I could see they were happy and proud of themselves, knowing that their hard work and dedication had paid off.”
To prepare his children, Fauzul Asrar and his wife, Intan Suraya Ismail, both 39, enrolled them in swimming lessons with a certified coach.
“Although it’s only once a week, they enjoyed the sessions, as they’ve been swimming on their own since two years ago,” says Fauzul Asrar, a public service employee from Penang.
In the two months leading up to the race, the couple established a routine that included a 2km run thrice a week, and a focus on proper nutrition and hydration.
Ainul Mardhiah (second from left) and her siblings with their Ironkids medals.
Their younger children, Muhammad Al Fateh, five, and Muhammad Luqman, three, took part in the community run. The family incorporated fun activities like family runs and swimming sessions during training to keep everyone motivated.
“Although the training runs were challenging and tiring for the kids, they showed great determination and perseverance,” says Fauzul Asrar, who was initially sceptical about his wife’s idea of enrolling the children in such a demanding race. Now he sees the positive effects on their well-being.
“Their confidence has grown, and they’ve developed a better understanding of setting goals and working hard to achieve them.”
Fauzul Asrar says his children have also expanded their social circle, making new friends through training sessions and races and improving their teamwork and communication skills.
“Their ability to balance school, training and play has been impressive which shows their improved time management skills,” says Fauzul Asrar, adding that the family makes it a point to celebrate small milestones to keep the children’s spirits high.
The children are already looking forward to competing in future races, eager to improve their performance while enjoying the excitement that the race brings.
Lahulan (right) and his father, Balasoorian, who competed in the Ironman 70.3 event. — Photos: RETNA SELVARAJAH
Experienced competitor
Lahulan Balasoorian, 12, is a seasoned Ironkids competitor, recently completing his fifth race. He recalls a mix of excitement, nervousness and fatigue, yet remained determined to cross the finish line.
“When I finally did, I felt relieved, happy and full of pride that my hard work had paid off,” Lahulan says, adding, “and I’m thankful I always have my parents’ support and guidance.”
Lahulan’s Ironkids journey includes races in Langkawi, Sri Lanka and the Philippines, where he competed alongside his father, Balasoorian Balakrishnan, 49, who participated in the full Ironman event. He was only six when he first raced in the Sri Lanka Ironkids.“When I first told him my idea of enrolling him in the race, he was shocked and scared,” says his mother, Retna Selvarajah. “But right after his first event, he became very excited and motivated to join more.”
To further encourage their only child, Retna, a 48-year-old project manager from Petaling Jaya, has also taken part in some sporting events.
“For us, these events help nurture fitness, teamwork and self-confidence in our son, while promoting lifelong habits for better health,” she says.
Both parents created a balanced training plan for Lahulan, one that focused on both endurance and enjoyment.
His weekly training includes two days each of swimming and running, plus brick workouts that combine both activities to simulate race day conditions.
They also add in family bike rides, swim playdates and strength and flexibility sessions to keep training enjoyable.
Six-year-old Lahulan at his first Ironkids in Sri Lanka.
“Yes, it was challenging but I always tell Lahulan that hard work is 90% and success is only 10%,” Retna says.
However, Lahulan’s structured training was not all for the Ironkids. The active young athlete also plays football as a right back defender for a club.
“There were days when he felt pressured by the routine,” Retna shares, “so we balance it with activities he loves, like diving, watching movies, going for ATV rides and outings with friends.”
Retna recognises that intensive training has both positive impact and potential challenges for her child’s mental health and social life.
“Overall, the training has strengthened his discipline, goal-setting and time management skills, while at the same time broadening his social network,” she says.
Still, both parents are careful to avoid pressure and stress that could arise from the demanding routine.
Despite the rigorous schedule, Lahulan is excited for his next race destination with his parents, even if it might involve a few “nags” from them to keep pushing him towards the finish line.
Mateen (second from left) and Elyas (third from left) with their parents, Syuhada (right) and Mohd Irwan (left) after completing their Ironkids race recently.
Twins on track
Twelve-year-old twins, Elyaas Omar and Mateen Omar Mohd Irwan from Shah Alam are familiar to the thrill and challenge of triathlons.
Not only because they have already participated in over five triathlons and multisport events, but more importantly, because they come from an active, athletic family.
Their parents Mohd Irwan Ahmad Mustafa and Syuhada Rusli, both 44, are their role models. Mohd Irwan is a triathlete and Ironman participant, while Syuhada is a dedicated runner and swimmer who goes to the gym regularly.
It was their father’s idea for them to join the Ironkids: “We’re quite an active family, so it feels like a natural next step.”
“I want to expose them early to multisport events, to build both endurance and mental strength,” says Mohd Irwan, an investment professional who also plays golf.
The twins were a bit nervous but excited at the prospect, especially after years of watching their parents dedicate time to fitness and challenging events.
As a family, they had already been running together, so the transition to Ironkids training felt natural.
“Training together on weekends became a great way to bond and enjoy time together,” says Syuhada, a homemaker.
The couple made training for the Ironkids a family affair. The twins would run for 3km after school, and have their father join them for longer runs on weekends which they alternated with cycling and swimming.
“We tried to make training fun and not too rigorous,” Syuhada shared. “We mixed it up with other activities like football and golf to keep them engaged.”
The training not only honed the twins’ athletic abilities but also had a positive impact on their mental and social development.
Elyaas (left) and Mateen at Ironkids 2022. — Photos: SYUHADA RUSLI.
“It helped them manage academic stress and reduce screen time,” Syuhada says.
Syuhada is also pleased to see how sports impact her sons’ social lives positively. “Their school friends admire their dedication, in fact, some of them were even inspired to try Ironkids,” she says. “It’s a great way to foster values like hard work, perseverance and mental agility.”
The boys are equally enthusiastic about their experience. “We were nervous, but our heart pushed us forward,” Elyaas shares.
“We wanted to be a good example for other kids.” Mateen adds, “It was a great feeling when we crossed the finish line, but there is always this feeling of wanting to do better and faster.”
When asked about their favourite discipline, Elyaas says his is running while Mateen prefers cycling. Both boys express their wish to participate in future Ironkids races and, one day, compete in a family relay with their father.
