IT'S NOT A RACE,
IT'S A JOURNEY.
OUR STORY, MISSION AND TEAM
The Problem We Refuse To Ignore
Every child is capable of more than they think.
Today, many young people are moving less, trying less, and being given fewer chances to take responsibility for themselves.
Some children believe they are "not sporty enough" before they even start. Some expect result quickly without understanding the effort behind improvement. Some are so used to adult solving things for them that they do not realise how capable they can be.
We do not believe this is because children are weak.
We believe many of them simply need the right environment, the right guidance, and enough chances to try, fail, learn, and take ownership.
That is why Kawan Athletics exists.
MEET THE TEAM
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About Us
At Kawan Athletics, we use athletics to raise capable young people.
To us, athletics is more than running faster, jumping further, or winning medals. It is a classroom where young people learn how to think, take responsibility, manage themselves, respect others, fail, try again, and grow.
We believe every athlete is capable of becoming better. Not only as an athlete, but as a person.
That is why we care about the small things.
Being punctual matters. Preparing your own things matters. Remembering your warm up matters.Learning how to listen matters. Speaking for yourself matters. Helping your teammates matters. Taking responsibility when you make a mistake matters.
This may look like a small habits, but over time, they shape character.
We know it would be easier to close one eye. It would be easier to let every small mistake go, to keep every child comfortable, or to let parents solve every problem for them.
But that is not what we believe young people need.
WE ARE A FAMILY
We believe they need a safe place to make mistake, but also adults who care enough to correct them. They need coaches who guide them, challenge them, and hold the accountable. They need opportunities to lead, to communicate, to travel, to compete, to fail, and to try again.
LEARNING JOURNEY
At Kawan, seniors are encouraged to lead warm-ups. Athletes are taught to pack, prepare, count their own repetitions, manage their time, and communicate with coches directly. Parents are encouraged to step back, not because we do not value them, but because we want their children to discover how capable they really are.
The People Who Make Us Amazing
Coach KJ holds a Master’s in Sport Science (Education) and is currently pursuing a PhD in Performance Analysis (Sport Science) at Universiti Putra Malaysia. He won bronze in the 2013 SEA Games and was a semi-finalist at the World University Games in Taipei (2017) and Italy (2019). His training focuses on enhancing physical strength and movement, helping athletes unlock their hidden potential and excel in their sport.
COACH KJ (Head Coach)
COACH KL
Coach KL brings over 15 years of experience to the sport. She was a three-time ASEAN University Games qualifier (2012, 2014, 2016) and has mentored young athletes alongside experienced coaches. Recognised as a top student in the World Athletics Coaching Course, she brings a strong coaching foundation to her training. Passionate about kids' athletics, she tailors her approach to each athlete’s needs, promoting engagement, active participation, and long-term development. Her coaching emphasizes body coordination, overall fitness, and athletic progression, helping athletes build a solid foundation while developing speed, endurance, and strength to advance in the sport.
COACH ELENA
Coach Elena is a 2017 SEA Games gold medalist in the 10,000m race walk and a three-time double Sukma gold medalist. She holds a Master’s in Sport Management from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Having started race-walking at just 9 years old, she fell in love with the sport and rose to become one of Malaysia’s elite race walkers. Passionate about developing young talent, she aims to share her expertise in race-walking and long-distance events, inspiring the next generation of quality race walkers in Klang Valley.
COACH MS. TAN
Ms. Tan is a highly experienced coach with a long-standing career in athletics. Having recently retired from Malaysia’s Sports School, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our team. Throughout her career, she has played a key role in developing young talents, coaching several MSSM podium winners and guiding athletes to excel at the national level. With her deep understanding of athlete development and competition strategies, Ms. Tan continues to inspire and mentor the next generation at Kawan Athletics.
COACH SAARA
Coach Saara, with a Master’s in Clinical Exercise Physiology, is a former Selangor gymnast and CrossFit athlete, ranking 9th and 5th fittest woman in Malaysia in 2019 and 2020.
As our strength coach, she focuses on developing athletes’ strength for performance and injury prevention. She also leads our Kinder Jump Start program, helping young children build a strong athletic foundation. Her expertise makes her a vital part of our team.
COACH YI YIN
Meet Coach Yi Yin, a double gold medalist in the Heptathlon for two consecutive Sukan Malaysia (SUKMA). With her exceptional expertise and experience, Coach Yi Yin plays a vital role in our training program. She dedicates her time to assisting athletes in enhancing their overall fitness levels, guiding them from beginner to intermediate stages.
COACH JIMMY (THROW)
Coach Jimmy was a double MSSM champion in discus throw and a bronze medalist in Sukma in the hammer throw. Specializing in throws, he brings not only his competitive experience but also a deep passion for developing young athletes in the technical aspects of throwing. His approach focuses on building strength, precision, and technique, ensuring that each athlete reaches their full potential in the sport. Coach Jimmy is available exclusively for private classes.