A Sports Writer Is Born
Appreciation Award Recipient
Race, Write & Share
One of my goals for 2015 was to develop my writing skills and submit my writings to newspapers and sports or lifestyle magazines for publication.
Eight months in and I am very happy with my progress so far which I will explain why shortly. Of course, there were a few setbacks which is expected for any new writer, I guess. Fortunately, overall, the successes far outweigh the failures. The failures turned-out to be useful learning experiences which will help me keep on the right path of racing, writing about, and sharing my passion for fitness and health to as many readers as possible.
My Published Articles
My first writing breakthrough occurred as early as 4th January 2015 when I participated in the inaugural Penang Tri-State Ride
First Newspaper Publication, The Star
which started in Juru, Penang and passed through Kedah & Perak to cover a total distance of 138km.
First Newspaper Publication, The Star
My subsequent article, describing my enjoyable experience in this event and my cycling tips
First Newspaper Publication, The Star
on preparing for century rides entitled “Cycling Over 100km – Good advice for the long-distance bike racer” was published by The Star newspaper (Read It )
on 7th March 2015, and the article received great reviews from the Penang cycling community because it made them proud to have their State event mentioned in a national newspaper.
First Newspaper Publication, The Star
I even received phone calls & messages from the event organiser, friends who wanted to congratulate me on my published writings.
In April, Swim Bike Run Malaysia magazine published my article entitled “Newton’s Law Of Running”
Newton’s Law Of Running, SBR Malaysia
in which I shared my tips on how to run hilly courses. The inspiration to write this piece came to me after I participated in the Dragon Back Run (25km) which was held on 11th January 2015 and featured the famous rolling hills of Jalan Paip, Meru & Puncak Alam. The article title was inspired by my favourite pair of Newton shoes which served me well during that run.
In May, my article entitled “Encouraging New Cyclists” appeared in Cycling Malaysia magazine,
Article published in Cycling Malaysia
and in it, I gave advise on how one can encourage your spouse, partner or friend to take-up cycling.
Article published in Cycling Malaysia Magazine
I drew on my real-life experience of helping my wife to take-up cycling as my writing inspiration.
Article published in Cycling Malaysia Magazine
On 16th May, my article entitled “Racing Past Rice Fields” was published in The Star newspaper.
About Kedah Century Ride 28/Mar/2015 in The Star newspaper
This piece was about my cycling experience at the inaugural Kedah Century Ride (KCR) which took placed coincidentally on my birthday, 28th March 2015. Kedah’s friendly folks, her amazing rice fields and her flat, windy terrain inspired me for this piece.
About Kedah Century Ride 28/Mar/2015 in The Star newspaper
Yet again, I received a message from the KCR event organiser who wanted to thank me for exposing their new century event in the media.
Apart from participating & writing about my racing experiences, I was also fortunate to be invited as a Runner/ Blogger to official Press Conferences of
event launching such as
SCKLM 2015 PC LAUNCH at KLCC mini park
SCKLM 2015, EduCity Sundown 2015
EduCity Sundown 2015 PC Launch at The Curve
and most recently, the
Allianz Pacesetters Relay 2015 Media Invitation at Kiwanis, Taman SEA
Allianz Pacesetters Relay. During such events, I have the privileged opportunity to meet-up with and to interview the respective sponsors and race organisers. In such cases, the other media is also invited, so I normally publish these write-ups on my blog here. I was also invited a couple of weeks ago,
Garmin Forerunner 225 gps watch product launch at Lot 10, KL
to the Official Launching of Garmin’s latest Forerunner 225 GPS watch. Through these product launches, I am able to update my readers on the latest running technology.
Media Spotlight
On the flip side, I have been interviewed by the media on several occasions, and subsequently, I have appeared in newspapers and magazines.
Happy Runner in Running Malaysia magazine
In January 2015, Running Malaysia ran a story on my running experiences entitled “Happy Feet On The Ground”.
Happy Runner in Running Malaysia magazine
I recall after that interview, I was nervous about the outcome, but I was elated with the end product because I did not come across as a wally. On the contrary, that article captured well my expressed opinions on running.
Happy Runner in Running Malaysia magazine
On 15th March, I was featured in The Star too,
“Let’s go” in The Star newspaper
in the article entitled “A cool tool: Riding the Elliptigo” (Read It)
“Let’s go” in The Star newspaper
which was
Taken by The Star photographer
superbly written by Assistant Editor, Ms Revathi Murugappan.
Furthermore, as a result of my stint as a navigator for a group of blind tandem cyclists, I have appeared in Berita Harian’s “Semangat Si Butah” of 1st June 2015,
Blind Tandem Cycling in Berita Harian newspaper
Blind Tandem Cycling in Berita Harian newspaper
Blind Tandem Cycling in Berita Harian newspaper
in The Star’s “Cycling Blind”
Cycling Blind appeared in The Star
Cycling Blind appeared in The Star
on 6th June, and in the Malay Mail’s “Dance Of The Double Cycle”
Malay Mail interview of Blind Tandem Cyclists
Malay Mail interview of Blind Tandem Cyclists
Malay Mail interview of Blind Tandem Cyclists
Malay Mail interview of Blind Tandem Cyclists
on 16th June. All these 3 interviews were conducted in Subang Jaya parks where each journalist brought along their in-house professional photographer. I was proud that my wife & I could help in increasing public awareness for the Blind & for the Blind Tandem Cyclists in particular.
Crowning Glory
Although, I am proud that some of my articles have been selected to appear in newspapers and read by millions of readers, this is not my main reason for having started writing commercially. In fact, the writing is just a means to a greater goal which is to inspire readers to lead a more active and healthy lifestyle. It always gives me the greatest satisfaction to receive feedbacks from my readers who tell me that my actions and my writings have inspired them to take-up running or cycling as a hobby. More recently, on 16th August 2015, I was overwhelmed to receive an award of appreciation by the Alumni Sains Teluk Intan (ASTI) Runners for supporting their inaugural running event, “Run With Us” at Putrajaya on that same day.
Amazing Appreciation Award
It was a real honour to receive such a prestigious award because it proved to me that my work and efforts have impacted positively on people’s lives. Indeed, I value such accolades dearly because it keeps me humbled, and it keeps me motivated to improve and produce better quality work in the future.
In only a short time, my writing escapades have taken me places that I have never been before, and it has introduced me to so many great people, and for that, I am most thankful.
Let me end my story by thanking all those people who have encouraged and supported me unconditionally yesterday, today and tomorrow. There are too many of them to name here, but undoubtedly, they would know who they are…
About The Author
Gus Ghani is an internationally certified Fitness Coach & a columnist for Cycling Evolution Magazine. In his spare time, Gus loves to take-part in Endurance Sports. Gus is also the ambassador of Elliptigo Bicycles, 2XU Compression Wear, Newton & Innov-8 Running Shoes. You can contact him at gusghani@gmail.com.
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