TUARAN: Blind swimmer Faiq Adnan made his second consecutive appearance in the 5km event at Oceanman in Dalit Bay here.
He took part in the inspiration category and was accompanied by his swimming guide and coach, Dato’ Ooi Win Juat, who swam in tandem with him.
“I want to show others that visual impairment or any physical disability is not an excuse for not achieving life’s goals,” said Faiq.
“One can still contribute actively to society and be an inspiration, no matter what card life deals you,” he said at the event hosted by Shangri-La Rasa Ria from July 4 to 5.
For Ooi, old age or disability should never be an obstacle to pursuing a passion for open water swimming.
Before coaching swimmers in Oceanman, he also took part in the 31km Melaka Straits swim relay in July 2018.
A well-respected member of the community, Ooi received the Community Leader of the Year award at the Leadership Excellence Awards (2020/2021).
Last year, he also accompanied Faiq to the Oceanman World Final Championship at Kite Beach, Dubai.
This year’s edition featured 458 athletes representing 31 countries, including Russia, France, Mexico, Australia, India and the United States, as well as 180 Malaysians.
The two-day championship comprised the 10km, 5km, 2km, 500m and 3x500m relay events.
The top 10 swimmers in every age group, as well as the top three in the inspiration category, will earn qualification slots for the Oceanman World Final Championship in Miches, Dominican Republic, from November 9 to 15, 2026. – Wu Vuide
Faiq (left), and Ooi took part in the inspiration category.
