Yatim all set for The Championship race in Slovakia next month.
KOTA KINABALU: Yatim Zainal Abidin edged much closer to realising his dream of competing in a world class triathlon.
The veteran triathlete confirmed he had received permission from the relevant authority to travel to Samorin, Slovakia to compete in the iconic Challenge Family’s The Championship race next month.
When contacted on Wednesday, Yatim expressed joy as well as relief to having received the clearance from the Immigration Department of Malaysia.
With that, he can now fully concentrate on his training in preparation for The Championship race.
“I’m free to travel and all arrangements including in Slovakia too have been sorted out.
“I am just waiting for the race day…I’m ready to go,” he said, adding he is likely to leave for the race on August 8 or August 9.
Yatim, 45, added, “I am really happy and excited to be back racing again.
“I want to thank the KBSS (Youth and Sports Ministry), MSNS (Sabah Sports Council), Ararat Sports, Pedal Shop and Spring Trading Bike for their support in my entire journey to participate in the race.
For the record, Yatim qualified for the The Championship after he secured a fourth place finish in the Men’s 40-44 age group category of the 4th Challenge Iskandar Puteri in Johor in November 2019.
The race was originally scheduled for May 31, 2020 but due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it was postponed several times before the organiser settled for the weekend of August 27-29.
The delay which was extended for more than a year will now see Yatim competing in the 45-year-old and above category for the Middle Distance race featuring swimming (1.9km), bike (90km) and run (21.1km).
Meanwhile, Yatim is continuing with doing the brick workouts which is an important part of triathlon training.
“I’ve just completed bike and run disciplines for a total of 70km today (yesterday).
“I’m going to do a short distance simulation race, combining all three disciplines namely swim, bike and run.
“I want to be at my best form for The Championship race,” he concluded.