By Khoon Daily
A Race Like No Other: More Than Just Miles
For Wira and Dihan, every race is a unique journey. Dihan was born with cerebral palsy and is quadriplegic, meaning she is unable to move her limbs and requires assistance for basic needs like eating and drinking. She is also non-verbal. But these challenges have never defined her in her father’s eyes. He sees a vibrant soul who deserves to experience the world in all its glory, including the exhilarating feeling of the wind on her face as they race together.
Their participation in the Singapore half marathon was the culmination of a year-long mission to complete three half marathons in three different countries. They had already successfully finished races in Hatyai, Thailand, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Singapore race was the final, triumphant leg of their international running tour.
The Unseen Challenges and Unbreakable Bond
Competing in a half marathon is a demanding feat for any individual, but for Wira, the challenge was twofold. He not only had to cover the 21.1-kilometer distance but also had to push Dihan in a custom-made recliner wheelchair, a combined weight of 55kg. This required immense physical strength and endurance. Along the route, Wira had to make several stops to feed Dihan using a syringe, a tender act of care amidst the grueling race.
However, Wira emphasizes that the emotional challenges are always his primary concern. Ensuring Dihan’s comfort, safety, and happiness is his top priority. He lovingly refers to his daughter as his “Infinity Stones,” a reference to the powerful artifacts from the Marvel universe, signifying that her smiles and joy are what give him a strength that “no energy drink can match.” This profound bond between father and daughter is the driving force behind their incredible journey.
A Decade of Shared Adventures
The Singapore half marathon was not their first race together. Wira began cycling and running with Dihan when she was just six years old, more than a decade ago. Their training regimen focuses on endurance and strength rather than speed, as these are the crucial elements for long-distance running with the additional weight of the wheelchair. Their dedication to this unique form of teamwork has allowed them to participate in numerous races, inspiring countless people along the way.
An Emotional Finish and an Outpouring of Support
The support they received throughout the race in Singapore was nothing short of extraordinary. Fellow runners clapped, offered words of encouragement, and even slowed down to cheer them on. Many who were familiar with their story called out Dihan’s name, creating a personal and heartwarming atmosphere. The most emotional moment, however, came at the finish line.
Wanting Dihan to experience the raw energy of the crowd and the triumphant feeling of crossing the finish line, Wira lifted her out of the wheelchair and into a sling carrier for the final stretch. As they approached the end, the race’s emcee, Arabelle Chia, gave them a special shoutout, igniting a wave of thunderous cheers from the spectators. Wira recalls, “The cheers, the claps, the words of encouragement, it felt like Singapore was lifting us together.” The radiant smile on Dihan’s face at that moment is a memory her father says he will cherish for the rest of his life.
A Powerful Message of Inclusion and Hope
When asked about their motivation for participating in these demanding races, Wira’s answer is simple yet profound: “Every soul deserves the wind on their face, no matter their ability.” Their running is a powerful statement of inclusion and hope, a message to the world to see the possibilities beyond limitations. “We don’t want to just survive,” Wira says, “we want to truly live extraordinarily.”
Wira and Dihan’s story is a testament to the power of the human spirit and the unbreakable bond of family. They are not just runners; they are ambassadors of hope, inspiring everyone they encounter to embrace life with courage, love, and a determination to live every moment to the fullest.
