Missed opportunity in Malaysia

I just read on ironmanlive that there will be no WTC events in Malaysia in 2011.

Ironman was held 11 times in Malaysia and I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to compete there twice. My two eagle inspired finisher medals among my most prized.

The race billed itself as the "Toughest" on earth - and the intense heat ensured it wasn't easy.

The first time I competed there I wilted. It was hot. But I wasn't deterred. I was far better prepared when I returned the next year. I had expected to race well and I did. When I finished, I was sure I had second place. I had gone faster than the guy who won my age group the previous year.

There were three slots for Kona in my age group and I believed I had achieved what I'd set out to do - get a ticket to the Big Island.

An hour or so after I crossed the finish line I chatted with Margreet by phone and heard that I'd finished fourth. I wasn't crushed. Still I decided that I'd had enough Ironman racing. I'd invested a huge amount of time the past six months in particular to prepare. As anyone who races an Ironman knows, it takes a huge commitment.

It's true that there weren't a lot of competitors in the race overall but each age group had a handful who were super competitive. I thought there's no way someone who finished ahead of me would not go to Hawaii. I accepted the reality that I'd put in the best race effort of my Ironman 'career' and yet three others had finished ahead of me. I had done everything I could. I wouldn't have done anything differently.

I went to the rolldown the next day, not so much for me but for some friends. To my astonishment, the guy who finished second in my age group didn't respond when his name was called. My heart skipped. And after the third place guy stepped up, my name was called and I was 'un-retired' before I was standing. It was a great moment for me as an athlete, one I won't ever forget. It didn't change who I am but it did confirm that I had worked hard and excelled and I was going to go to the Show.

Perhaps my experience in Malaysia colors my impression of it. It's natural to link positive thoughts with positive experiences.

Yet I have had the chance to race in many different countries and bar none, the race in Malaysia was as well organized as any other. The enthusiasm of everyone on the ground in Langkawi was superb. Was it perfect? Well, no. But I haven't been to a perfect race yet. Each race has its eccentricities.

Anyone who's read about racing in Malaysia knows that the organizers and the WTC have had a rocky relationship to say the least. I read on the ironmanlive site this morning how the WTC was looking for 'new' partners in Malaysia and 'better' venues etc. It was disappointing to read.

The people who put on Ironman Malaysia for more than a decade did a good job. It was a very solid race, with solid swim bike and run courses and athletes were well looked after. That shouldn't be dismissed. The host hotel wasn't a five-star super luxury one but it worked. The elevators could be busy but all that was required was some patience. No one ever hassled us for wanting to sleep with our bikes or other gear and we had this stunning view of the eagle and the ocean.

Change happens. It's part of life.