Meet Kharshan Kumar, an amateur triathlete yearning for a challenge, setting in motion a journey through the realms of fitness, self-discovery and resilience.
For years, the echoes of unfulfilled aspirations had reverberated within Kharshan’s heart, drowned out by other demands in his life.
“I was just an ordinary Singaporean from a middle income family. I went to neighbourhood schools and had a pretty ordinary life but I had an extraordinary goal. When I was 15, I just told myself that I'm going to do a triathlon before I'm 25 years old. After I said that, I didn’t do anything about that goal until six years later when I was 21,” Kharshan recounted.
“It was only halfway through serving in the army when I remembered I had that dream so I decided to take it on.”
Thus begins the saga of Kharshan’s fitness journey, where the rhythmic beat of running shoes against the pavement became the hymns of a newfound dedication. Alongside physical exertion, Kharshan confronts the emotional weights that have long held him back.
“I think most of the struggle was in my head rather than in reality. Self-doubt, anxiety, stress, fear of incompetency are just a few of the things. There were a lot of mental hurdles to overcome but the solution I found was to take physical action towards it,” said the amateur triathlete.
Amidst the mental hurdles, Kharshan not only confronted his inner struggles but also found the strength to break free from inhibiting habits. For one, he battled his smoking addiction.
“I quit smoking for the sport. There was one run I had where I went to smoke straight after and it hit me really hard that I can’t possibly take up endurance sports as a smoker. It was tough to quit for the first 2 months but it was a lot easier after. Drinking and social gatherings have dropped a lot too when I started the sport,” he shared.
“There were a lot of things that I used to enjoy. I have to say no to them now but there are no regrets. The feeling of being genuinely fit and healthy beats a hangover or falling ill any day.”
Through the highs of triumph and the lows of setbacks, one significant moment stood out for Kharshan and it was none other than completing the IRONMAN Langkawi 2023.
"The feeling of euphoria was insane and it wasn’t just because of the physical endeavour," Kharshan recalled.
"I knew that when I crossed the finish line, my parents, my friends and those who follow me would be proud. People who see it would be inspired and that moment could potentially spark so many stories and tap into the potential of so many lives.”
On top of his personal achievements, Kharshan has also shared this sense of sweet victory with the people he loves.
“The 2XU Half Marathon in 2023 was really my favourite. I ran it with my dad while my mom did the 10km event .My parents live pretty active lifestyles and they have been following and supporting me for all the races that I’ve been to so this was such a full circle moment. The opportunity to pace my dad and support my mom was an honour,” he fondly recalled.
Though Kharshan started out creating sports content casually, it has helped him to gain a deeper understanding and passion for what he was doing.
“I realised there were people who were actually inspired by what I was doing. That was the point where I realised that what I'm doing is bigger than who I am individually. Having lived a pretty ordinary life, I didn’t think I could change a life. Now that I know I can, it has really pushed me to be the person I am today,” Kharshan shared proudly.
He even went the extra mile, literally, by producing a documentary called "Chasing The Iron Dream" chronicling his IRONMAN triathlon training journey, with the hope of inspiring and connecting with aspiring athletes.
“The message was about how goals that are deemed as unrealistic or impossible are in fact, so very possible. I feel that a lot of people put a limit on themselves just because of what they think they can or cannot do,”
“The thing about sports is that it teaches you life lessons through the body. They can be applied to anyone. Relaying and translating that message well is a tough skill but once it’s done well, many can learn from it.”
While Kharshan has fulfilled his goal of completing the Ironman triathlon, the pages of his story have yet to unfold, not just as a chronicle of physical prowess but as a narrative of self-love, determination, and the unyielding pursuit of a life well-lived.
“Moving forward has no finish line,” Kharshan concluded, voice filled with ambition.
His dedication reminds me of the resilience needed in addiction recovery, where recognizing signs your liver is healing can be a powerful motivator. Just as Kharshan pushes past limits to achieve fitness goals, individuals in recovery push through challenges to reclaim their health. Both journeys require commitment, support, and a belief in one's potential. Kharshan’s story is a testament to the fact that with the right mindset and effort, extraordinary transformations are possible. Let his journey motivate you to pursue your own path to wellness and inspire others along the way.