The Saddiq-Bella effect: Even a triathlon turns into a family storyline

KUALA LUMPUR: Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman completed his third consecutive International Sunrise TriFest @ Desaru on Sunday, with singer-actress Bella Astillah making her competitive race debut alongside him.

The event, held at Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort, attracted about 1,000 participants from nearly 30 countries.

Much of the focus fell on the “BASS family” presence at the multisport festival.

Syed Saddiq finished fifth in the men’s 30-39 category after completing the 113 distance triathlon, comprising a 2.25km swim, 90km bike ride, and 21km run, in 5 hours, 30 minutes, and 13 seconds.

His fiancee Bella made her race debut in the Olympic Distance Female Relay category under team “BAM” alongside her friend Datin Dr Sharifah Nur ‘Insyirah, known as Dr Affa, and Australian junior elite athlete Michaella Widjaya.

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The trio finished third overall in 3:20:59. Bella completed the cycling leg in 1:50:06, Widjaya handled the swim, and Sharifah ran the final segment.

Sharifah was supported on-site by her husband, Deputy Economy Minister Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah.

Bella’s children also competed. Ayden Adrean, 9, finished eighth in the boys’ 10-12 Super Sprint Triathlon in 1:08:59, while Ara Adreanna, 6, finished third in the girls’ Under-7 KiTS Aquathlon in 20:19.

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The flagship 113 distance triathlon was held alongside Olympic Distance, Sprint, Super Sprint, and relay categories.

The aquathlon programme included Ultra Aquathlon, Standard, Sprint, Super Sprint, and KiTS categories.

“I’m really happy to be back here again for the third consecutive year,” said Syed Saddiq.

“What started as a personal challenge has now grown into something much more meaningful because my loved ones are experiencing the journey together with me.

“Seeing Ayden return to race again, Ara making her debut, and Bella participating for the first time made this edition extra special for me. Events like this are important because they encourage healthy living, mental resilience, and quality family time.”

Bella said transitioning from a supporter to a participant was both exciting and eye-opening.

“This was a very new and exciting experience for me,” she said.

“Previously, I only came to support Saddiq from the sidelines, but this year I finally got the chance to participate myself.

“I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the effort, discipline, and spirit behind multisport events after experiencing it firsthand. What made it even more meaningful was being able to do this together with friends and family while also seeing Ayden and Ara enjoy themselves throughout the event.”

Race director Andy Foo said the family’s journey over the years reflected the community spirit behind the event.

“This is what events like this are all about,” said Andy.

“You see how one person’s passion for the sport can eventually inspire the people closest to them to become part of the journey as well.

“Syed Saddiq first came here alone to challenge himself. Then Bella came to support him from the sidelines, Ayden started racing, and now Bella herself has joined in while Ara made her debut too.

“It’s very meaningful because multisport is not only about competition. It’s also about family, healthy living, challenging yourself, and creating memories together.”

RESULTS

Triathlon 113

Male 1. Dex Cheong (Sin) 4:48:36 2. Dave Lommen (Ned) 5:04:16 3. Martin Malleier (Aut) 5:15:44.

Female 1. Regine Goh (Sin) 5:32:51 2. Jaime Lim (Sin) 6:47:36 3. Ong Rou Yuen (Sin) 8:04:53.

Olympic distance

Male 1. Lee Wen Jun (Mas) 2:14:33 2. Glenn Yin (Sin) 2:38:46 3. Yan Moreno (Fra) 2:41:44.

Female 1. Vivian Kng (Sin) 2:42:52 2. Michaella Widjaya (Aus) 2:51:56 3. Astrid Forestier (Fra) 3:04:24.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

المصدر: New Straits Times