SYARUL POSES TO WORLD PERFECTION
Bodybuilder overcomes cold weather to defend his title
SYARUL Azman Mike Mahen overcame the cold weather in Mongolia to retain his bodybuilding title on Saturday. The former youth footballer flexed his muscles to perfection as he won the men’s athletic physique up to 170cm gold medal at the World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships in Ulanbaatar.
The 44-year-old, who bagged his first world title in Pattaya last December, was relieved that the weather did not affect his performance.
“Adapting to the cold weather was my biggest challenge. I had to be mentally strong when it was my turn to pose in front of the judges,” said Syarul in Mongolia yesterday.
“It was my first ever experience competing in cold weather. If fact the temperature dropped to below zero Celsius in the pre-judging going into the final.
“It was not easy for me to keep myself warm while waiting for my turn to perform.
“Winning the world title for the second straight year is meaningful and I dedicate this to my family for their support.”
Syarul, who claimed his third Asian title in Seoul in August, was a silver medallist in the world meet in 2010 and 2015, and a bronze medallist in 2012, 2013 and 2014.
He was an upcoming footballer before injuries to both knees forced him to retire.
Dr Malvern Abdullah was the other Malaysian who finished on the podium in Mongolia. The lecturer from Sarawak took silver in the men’s 60kg category.