Triathlon : Azalina : Academies needed to uplift sport

SPORTS Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said feels that academies for triathlon should be set up to develop athletes with potential for the sport.

“State Governments should work closely with triathlon organisers to develop academies in this country,” said Azalina at the launch of the Ironman Malaysia Triathlon at the Sports Ministry in Putrajaya yesterday.

Azalina identified Langkawi as a perfect location to set up the country’s first academy for triathlon.

“The Kedah state government should seriously look into the possibility of having an academy in Langkawi as not only would it help in developing athletes but also give a boost to the state’s tourism industry.”

The Ironman event, scheduled for Feb 23, has so far attracted 600 entries from 32 countries.

The Ironman Malaysia requires athletes to complete three disciplined categories - 3.8km of swimming, 180km cycling and a 42.2km marathon run.

Azalina said the setting up of a triathlon academy would not cost too much as the sport only involves swimming, cycling and running.

“I believe the basic facilities for the academy will not cost as much compared to other sports,” she said.

The event, sanctioned by the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC), offers 35 slots to the age-group winners to compete in the grand finals in Kona, Hawaii.