Visually impaired swimmer Faiq Adnan once again demonstrated that perseverance knows no boundaries as he returned to compete in the 5km Inspiration Category at Oceanman Kota Kinabalu 2026, marking his second consecutive appearance at the prestigious open-water swimming championship.
Held at Dalit Bay, Sabah, the two-day event brought together 458 athletes from 31 countries, including 180 Malaysians, for one of the region’s premier open-water swimming competitions. Faiq was accompanied throughout the race by his swimming guide and coach, Datuk Ooi Win Juat, who swam alongside him in tandem, providing guidance and support along the challenging course.
Born blind, the 36-year-old has been swimming since the age of nine and has dedicated much of his life to challenging perceptions of what people with disabilities can achieve. In 2013, he made history as the first blind Malaysian to successfully swim across the Penang Strait. Three years later, he competed in the 6km open category at the Bangkok Swimathon in Thailand, finishing 32nd out of 52 swimmers. In 2025, he also represented Malaysia at the Oceanman World Final Championship in Dubai, once again accompanied by Datuk Ooi.
For Faiq, every race is an opportunity to inspire others to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams regardless of the obstacles they face.
“I want to show others that visual impairment or any physical disability is not an excuse for not achieving life’s goals. One can still contribute actively to society and be an inspiration, no matter what card life deals you,” he said.
Supporting him every stroke of the way is Datuk Ooi Win Juat, who believes that open-water swimming is a sport that transcends age and physical limitations. A passionate advocate for inclusivity through sport, he has dedicated himself to empowering others to embrace challenges with confidence and determination. His contributions to the community have also earned him recognition as the Community Leader of the Year at the Leadership Excellence Awards 2020/2021.
Oceanman Kota Kinabalu 2026 featured races across five categories: 10km, 5km, 2km, 500m and the 3x500m relay. The top 10 swimmers in each age group, as well as the top three finishers in the Inspiration Category, will earn qualification spots for the Oceanman World Final Championship to be held in Miches, Dominican Republic, from 9 to 15 November 2026.
While the championship celebrated athletic excellence on the open waters of Sabah, Faiq’s participation served as a powerful reminder that true achievement is measured not by the challenges one faces but by the courage to overcome them. His journey continues to inspire athletes and communities alike, proving that resilience, determination and the human spirit can transcend even the greatest obstacles.
