Runner Suwaibah now RMAF sports icon

KUALA LUMPUR: The appointment of national woman solo runner Suwaibah Muhammad Nasir as Royal Malaysian Air Forces' (RMAF) sports icon can inspire those seeking to venture into sports, said RMAF chief General Tan Sri Affendi Buang.

He said the appointment of Suwaibah, with the rank of honorary major in RMAF's Volunteer Reserve Team (PSSTUDM), was based on her achievements at the international level.

“RMAF recognises and rewards the achievements of every individual who stamps the name of the nation at the international level.

“Other than Suwaibah, world squash queen Datuk Nicol Ann David and the youngest solo round-the-world flight pilot Captain James Anthony Tan were also similarly recognised by RMAF.

“Suwaibah is a renowned national athlete who has created world records such as running 1,111 km across the Sahara Desert and along the Silk Route and elevating the dignity of Malaysian women with 10 accolades by the Malaysian Book of Records,” he said after a ceremony to pin the honorary PSSTUDM rank of major at Wisma Pertahanan, Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), here yesterday.

He said such recognition could boost their enthusiasm in contributing to RMAF academically and creatively, and overall to the country.

Meanwhile, Suwaibah, who is a former RMAF athlete, said she was now committed to continuing her second mission, namely, to conquer the 30 tallest towers in the world.

She aspires to complete her main objective with the message of peace ‘1 World 1 Hope' by making stops at refugee camps worldwide such as the asylum camps in Belgrade and Serbia.

“The mission will be conducted in stages from Jan 15 next year. Currently, I only focus on training to boost my capability, resilience and discipline,” she said. Bernama