Higher, Faster, Stronger

On the heels of the 2016 Olympics in Rio, came this year's SEA Games, where athletes from all over South East Asia gather, biennially, to compete in a variety of events.  Hosted by Malaysia from the first time since 2001, the event was met with much fanfare and enthusiasm as the events were spread out across the city and were relatively inexpensive to attend, if you could get tickets to some of the smaller venued competitions.

Fortunately, Rugby tickets were plentiful and, after my crash course introduction to the sport last spring at the Singapore 7's, I was now a knowledgeable rugby fanatic. It was a hot day at the MBPJ Stadium, but the Malaysian fans were out in full force with their cheers of "Malaysia Boleh" echoing from the stands throughout the entirety of the matches of the countrymen.  Due to the heat we only stayed for a few hours, but it was more than enough time to see some impressive plays from Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia and Myanmar.

Hot and steamy Malaysian afternoon for some Rugby

The one event I was truly coveting was swimming.  Not only as an athlete and coach, but also because I had a former swimmer competing for her home country!  Though the Buki Jalil National Aquatics Centre is an impressive facility, the seating is surprisingly limited.  Coupled with the fact that swimming is always a popular spectator sport at these types of events, tickets were sold out.  Fortunately, again, a colleague had an extra and I was graciously invited along.

With the one and only Nadia Redza!  Also, can we talk about how awesome
these event mascots are?  Harimau Malaya can do it all!