KUALA LUMPUR: Shooter Edward Khor (pic) just celebrated his 64th birthday on Jan 25 but he is not slowing down.
In fact, Edward is eyeing to compete in the SEA Games in Thailand from Dec 9-20 and if he does make it, he will become the oldest athlete in the Malaysian contingent.
But first, he must prove to the National Shooting Association of Malaysia (NSAM), the National Sports Council (NSC), and the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) that he still has what it takes to bring a medal to the nation’s camp.
Despite having been away from training for some time, Edward recently competed in the Asian Sporting Championship in Photharam, Thailand, and continued to make heads turn.
Shooters from all over the world participated but Edward positioned himself among the top shooters in the South-East Asian group.
Edward was placed fifth, and a week later, at the same venue for the Compak Sporting competition, he improved his standing by securing fourth place among the South-East Asian shooters.
“Mentally, I’m strong. Compared to other shooters, I’m resilient,” said Edward, who looks young for his age.
“I can still handle the pressure, especially during competitions. I’ve been shooting for this event since 1986.
“But if the mind agrees and the body doesn’t, then I will probably have to give it up and become a coach for my team,” said Edward.
Twenty years ago, Edward won a bronze medal in the double trap event at the 2005 SEA Games in Manila.
And adding to the family legacy, his son, Benjamin, went a step further by clinching gold in the same event alongside Edward at the 2017 SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur.
Edward and Benjamin also made history by winning Malaysia’s first-ever shotgun medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi in the double trap event.
For Edward, age is no barrier to representing the country. If given the opportunity, he would embrace it wholeheartedly, as competing for the nation is an honour for any athlete.
“My objective is to show people that age is not a barrier. As long as you’re physically fit and have good eyesight, you can continue to represent the country,” said Edward.
“It’s always an honour to represent the country, and you must be proud to do so, not see it as a chore in order to excel,” he added.
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