In Memory: Professor Winston Koh

Photo-credit: Winston Koh (our 50km, pre-ultra-marathon practice run)

We, recently, lost a great member of our endurance and adventure family. I have trained with Winston Koh for my first (and last) 84km run, where we completed 50km in a practice run. He took his challenge, steadily and calmly; I was a knackered mess. 

'We will miss him dearly.'

We raced in the Singapore edition of Ironman 70.3, and also competed in Ironman New Zealand 2012, which was affected by a 'weather bomb'. He was my neighbour who stayed a few units away, and enjoyed a few meals together. The accompanying photograph supports one of our most read article.

Photo-credit: David Ong

Although I did not know Winston very closely, I learnt that he was an avid photographer, a serious ballroom dancer, and adventurer. He was, regularly, completing an endurance race, locally or internationally. He made time to enjoy his passions and pursuits with like-minded individuals. He was also a well-respected colleague and adulated teacher. He was the consummate Gentleman, through and through. We will miss his positive attitude towards life, and yet be inspired by numerous achievements. What a fellow competitor, adventurer, positive role-model and inspiration he was! Rest In Peace, Mate.

Winston was also one of my earliest donors to my charity for Ironman NZ; he supported athletes-with-a-mission. He seeded the pot, which grew tremendously. Thank you, Professor! You will be truly missed.

Photo-credit: Richard Leong (post-event, celebration drink)

'I will tell you how he lived.' ~ The Last Samurai