TRUE CHAMPIONS Featuring Malaysia Race Walker Elena Goh 🇲🇾
Editor’s Note
Last Friday, I dropped by at a Sports Exhibition which was held at PWTC. I had only recognised the Aftershokz Booth where Deric and his team were displaying the new TREKZ AIR model of the latest conduction based, wireless music headphones which were designed for sports people and athletes who want to listen to music EFFORTLESSLY and SAFELY, while playing their favourite sports.
Unexpectedly, I managed to catch a live interview of Malaysia’s super talented national Race Walker, Elena Goh. Her personal story is truly inspiring and interesting, and so, I decided to share my short video and commentary of that Elena interview here….
Video Clip: The Interview
FAMILY SUPPORT
Elena Goh Is Only 22, but she has already overcame a double knee operation in 2012 to secure Malaysia Gold at SEA GAMES 2017 in Kuala Lumpur.
During the interview, Elena mentioned that she decided to pursuit race walking at school after seeing how much happiness her sports victories had brought her parents. Such motivation was touching to hear, and it tells me that that her parents must be extremely proud of Elena’s sporting achievements.
ELENA’S PERSONAL BEST
Her 10km Race Walking PB is 51’42” which is incredibly fast when we consider that most amateur runners struggle to run 10km in an hour or less!
PERSONAL SACRIFICE
Only an extraordinary person could and would continue training vigorously for 5 years, despite suffering knee injuries, in order to achieve their dreams. That’s exactly what Elena did! She had paid a heavy price for delaying her knee operation until her knee made a strange sound with 1km to go during a 20km international race in 2012 in Singapore. Coming 4th placed there was a small compensation because she had to immediately undergo a double knee saving operation.
LOW TO HIGHS
Being in peak physical condition is a prerequisite for every national athlete, and so, I can only imagine the stress an athlete has to bear whenever they go under the knife. Fortunately, Elena’s operation and rehabilitation was a success. However, what I find so inspiring about Elana’s story is how she managed to bounce back from her serious injury woes and major operations to reach her dream of winning a gold medal. Of course, every athletes trials and tribulations are uniquely different, and some are not as lucky to be given a second chance at pursuing victory. Nevertheless, victory at the highest level must be earned, and it is all about being ready and taking your chances when the right opportunity comes along. No one personifies the strength to overcome their personal setbacks like Elena has so clearly demonstrated by winning her first gold medal at the KL Games 2017.
PETITE FIGHTER
Elana is small built and in terms of physical appearance, I won’t be surprised if many people couldn’t believe she’s a top national athlete, never mind being a SEA GAMES Champion. This is a real life example of why we should never judge a book by its cover, nor should we underestimate anyone so easily. I’m sure that proving the doubters wrong can be a strong motivation for athletes like Elena to push them to train and compete even harder.
THE FUTURE
Fortunately, Elena is still young, and as long as she continues to remain hungry for more victories, I can foresee an illustrious sports career for this little tiger that dared to roar…
*Disclaimer*
To the best of my knowledge, all of the information provided herein is accurate at the time of publishing and the views expressed are based on my own personal opinions and findings, and they don’t necessarily reflect the views of the Product Manufacturer, Event Organiser or any Third Party unless explicitly specified otherwise.
About The Author
Gus Ghani is the Founder of Running Toons and a HIIT Fitness Coach, and Magazine Columnist. Â He has contributed numerous insightful articles to The Star newspaper, Running Malaysia Magazine, and Cycling Malaysia Magazine. LIKE Happy Runner for RUNNING UPDATES, Gus Rider for CYCLING NEWS, Gus Ghani for SPORTS INFOTAINMENT and FOLLOW gusghani @IG for LIFESTYLE.
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