Born in Kg Tok Burung, Bachok, Kelantan and currently working at the Fire and Rescue Department, Malaysia at Bukit Jelutong, Selangor, Mohd Amran Abdul Ghani is the man who’s dream is to qualify for the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, USA. Setting aside his job, he is an active athlete that has an impressive track record.
Mohd Amran’s best achievements so far was when he was crowned as the Best Malaysian 2014 and 2015 IRONMAN 70.3 Putrajaya, and Best Malaysian at 214 and 2016 IRONMAN Malaysia.
During his first attempt at the full IRONMAN back in 2014, he was able to complete the race in 10 hours and 15 minutes. The most impressive accomplishment was he managed to complete it while working full time and part-time train. This proves that he has a stronger mental mindset over his physical body strengths to strive for further achievements.
RS: When did your passion for triathlon begun?
Mohd Amran: I was a runner previously but it didn’t give me the satisfaction and mental and physical strength that I was looking for. That’s when I decided to join triathlon as triathlon gives me the adrenaline feeling that I was looking for.
RS: What is your first triathlon event?
Mohd Amran: My first triathlon is IRONMAN Malaysia in 2004.
RS: How does your career as a fireman helps in preparing yourself for Ironman?
Mohd Amran: My status as a full-time fireman is not an obstacle for me. I am very lucky that that the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia, especially my department is very supportive and always cheering for me whenever I compete in any triathlon event especially an event like Ironman.
RS: What is your greatest strength?
Mohd Amran: There are three (3) disciplines in triathlon; swimming, cycling and running. All 3 disciplines require balance combination. I would say my greatest strength is within cycling and running.
RS: How do you handle stress and pressure?
Mohd Amran: The stress and pressure are really high in triathlon especially when you have won the IRONMAN Malaysia Best Malaysian category 2 years in a row. Everyone from your family to your office and sponsors are counting for you to deliver your best at all times. That’s why I believe the best way to deal with the stress and pressure is making sure that I get plenty of rest and eat a balanced and healthy diet in order to help me recover from the vigorous training.
RS: What is/ is your greatest accomplishment as an athlete?
Mohd Amran: I was crowned as the IRONMAN Malaysia Best Malaysian in 2014 and 2016, IRONMAN Putrajaya 70.3 Best Malaysian in 2014 and 6-time Sportsman for Sukan Bomba Malaysia and qualified to compete and represent Malaysia at The World Police and Fire Games (WPFG) in 2007.
RS: What excites you the most about your career as an athlete?
Mohd Amran: Besides the satisfaction that I get from competing in the triathlon, I get to meet and make friends with people from different background. I can also make friend with people from the international level.
RS: What is the biggest challenge in participating in Ironman?
Mohd Amran: For me, the biggest challenge is to be mentally and physically prepared as well as strengthening my inner strength, especially during the long hours. I hope that everything goes well during the championship.
RS: Who/what inspires you the most in participating in a triathlon?
Mohd Amran: Of course, my main inspiration is my beloved family. They have always been there for me since I first started triathlon. They are my motivation in giving me the drive to do my best in every triathlon that I have participated. I am very thankful for my family especially to my wife who understands my passion as an athlete.
RS: What is your advice to people who wants to try triathlon?
Mohd Amran: Triathlon is a sporting event that combines 3 discipline; swim, run and bike. For those who wants to try triathlon, I would suggest that you start with IRONMAN 70.3 first. Then, once you’ve accustomed to the distances, you can start doing the full IRONMAN.
Will you attempt a triathlon? Share with us your thoughts!
