Alvin Lim
National Paralympic Hand Cyclist
Alvin Lim is Beet It Sport Malaysia’s newest ambassador and his journey to be a #TeamMAS hand cyclist is an inspiring one. Eighteen years ago, the former air steward was riding his superbike from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore when he collided with an oil tanker. The accident ruptured the then 25-year’s old aorta and left him paralysed from the waist down. Alvin’s discipline and hard work paid off when he won double gold at the 2017 ASEAN Games road cycling competition. He is determined to live life to the fullest and to become Malaysia’s first national Paralympic hand cyclist.
I really felt a difference using Beet It Sport. Beet It Sport allows me to push harder and helps with my recovery too.
1. How did you get involved in hand cycling?
During a holiday in Australia, I had gone to a wheelchair retailer to get fitted for a new wheelchair. It just so happened that they had a demo hand cycle which they were very keen for me to try. They sent it to my sister’s house and let me try it for 2 weeks without any obligations. At the very first ride I took, I knew I wanted one. I got myself a hand cycle and thus the journey began.
2. What made you decide to pursue hand cycling full-time and to aspire to compete professionally?
It was at a time when I was seeking a new challenge in life, I was cycling almost daily to get myself in better shape when in one of my rides, I bumped into the National Para Cycling Head Coach. One thing led to another and soon I had an opportunity to join the Malaysian team. The thing was, up to that point, I’ve had a very rewarding career in the car sales industry, and for me to commit to sports as a career would mean a huge sacrifice in the financial department. I was willing to accept the challenge only if the goal was a worthy one, which to me meant only one thing, representing it in the Paralympics. After talking to my coach about this and realising that our goals were in tandem, I signed up as a full time athlete.
3. What advice would you give to someone who has recently become handicapped and feel limited to his circumstance?
Stop looking for the excuses of why you can’t but rather look for all the ways that you can. Essentially, just go out there and claim what’s yours.
4. Best Hand Cycling achievement so far?
Double Gold at The ASEAN Para games 2017.
5. Aspirations in Hand Cycling for 2018 and beyond?
Same as when I started, my main goal is to eventually get to the Paralympics. For 2018, right now it is all about bringing my performance to the next level, pushing myself hard in daily training so that I’ll be on my A game to defend my titles in the next ASEAN Para games next year.
6. What are your top three sport nutrition tips?
Natural, natural and natural!! Real food, naturally produced … that’s why I love Beet It Sport!
7. What are your top three training tips?
Push hard, eat right, rest well.......repeat.
8. Where did you hear about Beet It Sport?
From my friends at the 2escape bike shop.
9. Why do you use Beet It Sport and how has it helped you?
Beet It Sport allows me to push harder and helps with my recovery too.
