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S’pore rower Aisyah to race in Tri-Factor triathlon

SINGAPORE – She overcame numerous obstacles to finally achieve her aim of being an Olympian last year after competing at the Rio Olympic Games.

National rower Saiyidah Aisyah joined 85 other Tri-Factor participants for a training clinic on Sunday (July 23), where they learnt open-water swimming skills such as water entry, sighting and how to swim in a group. Photo: Tri-Factor Series

National rower Saiyidah Aisyah joined 85 other Tri-Factor participants for a training clinic on Sunday (July 23), where they learnt open-water swimming skills such as water entry, sighting and how to swim in a group. Photo: Tri-Factor Series

SINGAPORE – She overcame numerous obstacles to finally achieve her aim of being an Olympian last year after competing at the Rio Olympic Games.

But this year, national rower Saiyidah Aisyah has set her sights on realising a different dream – she wants to complete her first-ever triathlon.

And the race she has earmarked to achieve that personal milestone is the Tri-Factor Triathlon, which will be held on Aug 6 at East Coast Park.

The 29-year-old has already taken her first steps towards that goal, as she joined 85 other Tri-Factor participants for a training clinic on Sunday (July 23), where they learnt open-water swimming skills such as water entry, sighting and how to swim in a group.

While the 2013 South-East Asian (SEA) Games gold medallist may spend a significant amount of time on the water for her training and competitions, she admitted that swimming in open waters was a different proposition for her, and that she was initially afraid of trying it out.

“The triathlon represents a significant challenge for me as I have a phobia in two of the three events – swimming and cycling,” said Aisyah.

“It may seem strange coming from someone who trains and competes all the time on the water, but I have a fear of open-water swimming, while I’ve also had a few road bike accidents over the years.”

However, Aisyah said that the Tri-Factor clinic she attended on Sunday has helped her overcome that fear.

“The clinic was a perfect introduction for me to open water swimming,” she added. “It was a little intimidating at first, stepping into the sea and not always being able to touch or even see the bottom, but the coaches and fellow athletes made the whole experience fun and enjoyable.

“I think I will get the hang of it in time for the Tri-Factor Triathlon, when I will have my first triathlon experience ever. I’m definitely looking forward to that!”

For more information, and to register for the Tri-Factor triathlon race, visit www.trifactor.sg

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