Garmin Noosa Triathlon 2025 – Day 2: Super Saturday Highlights & Southeast Asian Athletes Olivier Dung and Abdul Rahman Shine on Noosa Parade
- Hanida Hussein
- Nov 1
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 3
Super Saturday at the Noosa Triathlon Multi Sport Festival brought pure energy, fierce competition, and international spirit to the iconic streets of Noosa Parade.
For Southeast Asian triathletes dreaming of racing in Australia, Day 2 showcased everything that makes Noosa Triathlon a bucket-list event — elite racing, festival atmosphere, and inspiring stories from regional athletes chasing their triathlon dreams.
GWM Australian Open Criterium: Speed, Skill & Strategy
The day started with the GWM Australian Open Criterium, where 26 women and 48 men battled it out on the slick Noosa streets. Despite wet conditions forcing the men’s race to be shortened from 40 to 30 minutes for safety, the intensity never dipped.
Every lap pushed the limits of endurance and precision — a thrilling opener that set the tone for a full day of racing.
Celebrity Relay Triathlon: Fun, Rivalry & Noosa Spirit
Next came the Celebrity Relay Triathlon, injecting a dose of light-hearted fun into the competitive atmosphere. Local and national personalities took to the course, embodying the Noosa spirit of inclusivity and camaraderie — where everyone, from weekend warriors to professional triathletes, shares the same finish line energy.
ASICS Noosa Bolt: The Fastest 5K in Australia
As the sun began to set, the ASICS Noosa Bolt brought the crowd to its feet. Some of Australia’s fastest 5K runners flew down Noosa Parade, capping off the day with pure speed and spectacle. The roar of the crowd and the rhythm of the footsteps summed up what makes Super Saturday unforgettable.
Spotlight on Southeast Asian Triathletes: Olivier Dung (Vietnam) & Abdul Rahman (Singapore)
Among the buzzing atmosphere, two Southeast Asian triathletes preparing for Sunday’s main event — the Garmin Noosa Triathlon — shared their stories, goals, and passion for the sport.
🇻🇳 Olivier Dung: “Noosa keeps me coming back.”
Returning athlete Olivier Dung from Vietnam has made Noosa a regular stop in his racing calendar.
“I raced last year and it was an incredible experience. Noosa is a beautiful course, very professionally organized, with so much energy from both participants and supporters. It’s also a great place to combine racing with a holiday before or afterwards,” he said.
Balancing training with daily life, Olivier starts his mornings as early as 4:00 a.m. and places heavy emphasis on recovery.
“More than half of my training focus is on recovery,” he added.
His advice for first-timers?
“Just enjoy the course and the race. Have fun! It’s about participating and making it to the finish line.”
🇸🇬 Abdul Rahman: “Success is pushing my limits.”
From Singapore, Abdul Rahman is taking on his first full triathlon after starting his endurance journey just two years ago.
“My first official race was the Army Half Marathon, and I did surprisingly well. That experience motivated me to push my limits — and that’s what led me here to Noosa,” he explained.
Introduced to the event by his uncle, Abdul saw Noosa as the perfect combination of challenge and beauty.
“Noosa is one of the most beautiful triathlons in the world.” Despite having faced setbacks — including not finishing his first marathon due to cramps — he’s coming into Noosa determined:
“This year, my goal is to finish under 3 hours. Success for me is pushing my limits and giving it everything I’ve got.” He added:
“Last year, I attempted my first full marathon and didn’t finish due to cramps halfway through. That experience pushed me to come back stronger. For Noosa, I want to do my best. I’m young and competitive, and my goal is to finish in under 3 hours.”
Super Saturday: Racing, Resilience & Community Spirit
Even as the weather shifted, the energy never faded. Super Saturday once again proved why Noosa Triathlon stands as one of the most loved multisport festivals in the world — combining elite performance with unmatched community spirit.
With the Garmin Noosa Triathlon main event ahead, athletes like Olivier Dung and Abdul Rahman embody the values that define Noosa: determination, resilience, and joy in the journey.
Why Southeast Asian Triathletes Should Experience the Noosa Triathlon
For triathletes from Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia, Noosa offers:
🌴 A world-class race atmosphere with a warm, welcoming community
☀️ Perfect early-summer weather and scenic coastal routes
🏖️ A great balance of racing and relaxation in one of Australia’s most iconic destinations
Whether you’re chasing a personal best or soaking in the festival vibe, Noosa Triathlon is the ultimate multisport experience worth traveling for. #NoosaTri #ThePlaceToBe #ThisIsQueensland
Comments