In the past 9 editions of the OSIM Singapore International Triathlon, there has never been a male Japanese winner in the Elite Male Category, but this may change on Sunday.
The Japanese duo of Sato Harunobu and Tsubaki Kohei, despite being in Singapore to compete for the first time, are quietly confident of making the podium and one of them winning the OSIM Singapore International Triathlon this Sunday, held at the East Coast Park.
Elite athletes including Sato (red) and Tsukabi (blue) at the site recce at East Coast Part E2 before the OSIM Singapore International Triahtlon this weekend
Sato said, “It is very hot here and although we are here for the first time, I am aiming to make the podium and be the first Japanese Male to win the OSIM Singapore International Triathlon.”
“My aim is to earn more ITU points and a win will certainly help my cause,” he added.
These were sentiments shared by his compatriot and room mate, Tsubaki, “Sato and I are confident because we have been training hard, in fact, we just had training on our bicycle along the route in East Coast Park and after surveying the whole route, have come up with a race plan.”
Tsubaki shares, “Both of us are not natural swimmers and Singapore’s weather is very hot and humid so our plan is to manage our energy well. We will not expand too much energy on the swim leg but try to make it up during the bike leg. Since both of us strength lie in the running leg, we just have to stay close after the bike leg and we stand a very high chance of winning.”
Sato adds, “Despite the tough conditions, Japanese people are known for our resilience, our people had to deal with so many natural disasters this year but we still survive. In fact, one great example is our women’s soccer team defying all odds to win the World Cup, beating favourites like Brazil and USA, so their win really gives us strength and belief when we compete.”
“But right now, I just want to have a good sleep and get well rested before the race.”
Defending Elite U23 Female Champion focuses on Shopping.
In the female category, defending Elite U23 Female Champion, Hong Kong Leanne Szeto Shiu Yan has her eyes set on shopping after the race.
“Although the weather here is very hot and humid, this is my fifth time being here and I just had a training stint in France, where the weather is equally hot and humid, so I guess I am well prepared,” Leanne explains.
She jokes, “I heard that now is the Great Singapore Sale, so what is important is shopping in Orchard Road. Even if my coach doesn’t allocate me time to go, I will still go during my rest time.”
This year marks the 10th year of the OSIM Singapore International Triathlon that will take place:
Date: 30th / 31st July 2011
Venue: East Coast Park E2
For more information, please visit the OSIT website: http://www.
Photos credited to IMSG
