Jury with his third Ironman Challenge win.
The three-time champion, flanked by Nordin (left) and Amir Hanafi, on the podium.
Jury accepting his trophy from Jane.
The other finalists celebrating this year’s Ironman champion.
SCV executive and Ironman 2015 coordinator Ibrahim Chong Abdullah (standing, fifth left) with some of this year’s finalists.
KUCHING: Jury Amrullah has once again come out top in this year’s Ironman Challenge, adding the title to the two he won in 2012 and 2013.
The 41-year-old fitness veteran edged 14 other finalists throughout three days of gruelling challenges and obstacles that culminated in the grand showdown on Sunday – the finale of this year’s annual World Harvest Festival (WHF) at Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV) near here.
Jury, who walked away with the RM1,500 cash prize and the coveted trophy, said he was glad to have regained the title this time.
“It has been very worthwhile. I’m really glad of being able to claim back the title after not making it last year,” he told The Borneo Post when met after the event.
Asked on his preparation this time, Jury – the third of six siblings – stressed the importance of fitness training, especially for the young.
“The Ironman competition is one of many platforms where one can truly test their physical and mental capabilities. This is why it’s important for us to train and lead a healthy lifestyle.
“I assure you that the benefits are really worth it but having said this, they will only come after you have done your training in earnest.”
Jury, in jest, also ‘warned’ future Ironman contenders who would wish to enter next year.
“God-willing, I’d be 42 next year but would go all out in defending my title. So to all future contenders, especially the junior ones, you better start training from now,” he laughed.
Meanwhile, Ironman newcomer Nordin Saruji was elated about finishing second – a feat that he attributed to the non-stop support from his wife and close friends.
“I’ve been into serious weightlifting for the past five years and still, I find that the Ironman courses throughout the three days had been really gruelling. I can understand if somebody suddenly decided to pull out midway – I myself almost did due to arm injury but I persevered, believing that I could finish the race.
“To the spectators, they might see the race as easy and even funny to watch at times, but I assure you that it’s anything but,” the 35-year-old security personnel said, who bagged RM1,125 and a medal.
For last year’s winner Amir Hanafi Ali, it was all about good sportsmanship. The Ironman veteran, who was among the favourites to win the games this year, earned RM1, 000 and a medal for finishing third.
“I believe that enjoying what you do and taking charge of whatever being thrown at you should be the way for us to live our lives. There will always be winners and losers but at the end of the day, it’s all about good sportsmanship. I’m happy to meet all my Ironman buddies year after year and at the same time, I get to make more friends especially among the young contestants,” said the 44-year-old Public Works Department’s personnel.
The other finalists each pocketed RM300, together with a medal and a certificate.
The Ironman Challenge has always been among the highlights of SCV’s annual flagship ‘World Harvest Festival’, apart from ‘Gawai Tourism Night’ and ‘Miss Cultural Harvest Festival’.
The competition, which entered its eighth anniversary this year, was kicked off by WHF festival director Zaini Zainuddin on Labour Day, while SCV general manager Jane Lian Labang presented the prizes at the closing on Sunday night.