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Inspired by BTS, Melaka's Tan Li Ren breaks SUKMA record in race walk
🇲🇾 Malaysia /Sports

Inspired by BTS, Melaka's Tan Li Ren breaks SUKMA record in race walk

From Utusan Malaysia · () Malay

Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Context piece
  • Melaka's Tan Li Ren broke the SUKMA 2026 record in the 20,000m race walk, winning gold with a time of 1 hour 59 minutes 41.45 seconds.
  • The 16-year-old athlete was inspired by the K-Pop group BTS, particularly member Jimin, whose songs and words motivated her.
  • Li Ren aims to compete in higher-level events, including the Youth Olympic Games in Senegal.

Melaka's young athlete Tan Li Ren shattered the Malaysian Games (SUKMA) 2026 record in the 20,000-meter race walk, clinching the gold medal at the Stadium Universiti Putra Malaysia. The 16-year-old clocked an impressive 1 hour 59 minutes 41.45 seconds, surpassing the previous record of 2:05:47.02s set by Yee Zhi Xin from Negeri Sembilan at SUKMA 2024 in Sarawak.

I want to thank the people who always motivate me and always accompany me, giving me support even though they are not people I have met. BTS and a group member, Jimin. He always motivates me and gives me great support.

— Tan Li RenExpressing gratitude to her inspirations, including BTS member Jimin.

Li Ren revealed that the lyrics and messages from the K-Pop sensation BTS, especially from member Jimin, served as a significant source of motivation. "I want to thank the people who always motivate me and always accompany me, giving me support even though they are not people I have met. BTS and a group member, Jimin. He always motivates me and gives me great support," she told reporters.

Despite never having direct contact with Jimin, Li Ren found immense inspiration in his music and words, driving her pursuit of athletic excellence. "He is an artist from Korea, but his songs and words make me want to chase my dreams," she added. The Bukit Baru native, currently studying at the Pahang Sports School, described the victory as deeply meaningful, marking her debut at the SUKMA stage.

He is an artist from Korea, but his songs and words make me want to chase my dreams.

— Tan Li RenExplaining the impact of BTS and Jimin's music on her aspirations.

Reflecting on her performance, Li Ren admitted, "I can't believe I managed to complete these 50 laps. It felt like a lot." She credited her inspiration for pushing her to achieve greater success and aim for larger platforms. The athlete also drew motivation from a past disappointment at the Malaysian Schools Sports Council (MSSM) championships three years ago, where she failed to finish in the top three.

I can't believe I managed to complete these 50 laps. It felt like a lot.

— Tan Li RenReacting to her record-breaking performance in the 20,000m race walk.

Looking ahead, Li Ren has set her sights on higher aspirations, including competing in the upcoming Youth Olympic Games in Senegal this October. "I want to go to the Youth Olympics. This is the start for me to go to a bigger stage," she stated, signaling her ambition to continue progressing in her athletic career.

I want to go to the Youth Olympics. This is the start for me to go to a bigger stage.

— Tan Li RenStating her future ambitions after winning the SUKMA gold medal.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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