Diagnosed with high-functioning autism at three years old, this Nexus International School Malaysia alumnus today looks forward to racing with his triathlete idols at Birmingham 2022
Representing Malaysia in the triathlon race at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games is a dream come true for Malaysian teen triathlete Isaac Tan. Excited to be racing alongside his idols like Matt Hauser, Alex Yee and Hayden Wilde, the 17-year-old will be participating in the 750m swim, 20km cycle and 5km run at Birmingham 2022, with hopes of becoming an Olympian one day.
What's remarkable is that this tenacious young man is a high-functioning autistic with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and a proud alumni of Nexus International School Malaysia’s bespoke Alternative Pathway programme. Available at the Malaysian and Singaporean campuses, Nexus International School’s Alternative Pathway programme gives students with mild learning disabilities a leg-up in their education.
Tan was a student at Nexus International School for 11 years and he shares that his time at school helped him develop resilience in the face of great challenges—a trait that has helped him excel not just in sports and academically but also in life. In 2019 as a Year 9 student, Tan won second place in the under-15 category of the Singapore International Triathlon, completing a 200m swim leg, a 12km bike leg and 2km run leg. Since being chosen to represent Malaysia in the Commonwealth Games, Tan has been hard at work to improve his speed in running and cycling.
More: These Nexus International School Learners Lead With Confidence And A Global Edge
“It’s not about winning the race,” Tan said in a recent interview with Nexus International School Malaysia about his hopes for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. “It’s about my mental strength. The biking aspect of the race is challenging but I have to bounce back till I get it.”
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