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18/07/2017
Posted on 18 July 2017 - 11:56am
Brianne Jasmin Aeria
Her proudest moment as a sprinter is the first time she won a medal for her state. — Kogulanath Ayappan
She believes that her mixed parentage gave her the best of both worlds. — The Street Shutter
TANALAKSIUMY Mahenthiran Rayer or fondly known as Tana is of mixed parentage of Chinese and Indian. She hails from Penang and is currently an Accounting student and a national sprinter.
Not only that, Tana is also one of the top 10 finalists for Miss Universe Malaysia 2017. Her schedule is pretty hectic and we were fortunate enough that she made time for us in between her training.
From an athlete to a contestant in the Miss Universe Malaysia pageant, Tana had a goal to make a difference in people's outlook and life.
"I wanted to change people's perspective that an athlete always has a muscular body and are very rough, I wanted to prove otherwise," she shared.
How has being an athlete helped in the pageant and vice versa?
Being an athlete, I was able to undergo and take the in-house training provided to us by the organiser and sponsors. The pageant taught me the finer points in presenting myself as a whole. I have to admit that I learned that from Datin Elaine Daly, whom I regard as my mentor. She showed me how to bring out my femininity and gentleness yet still stay strong in facing the critics out there.
What are your future plans in sports and also the pageant industry?
In any kind of sports, it's about our life's wellness. I intend to bring this awareness to people around me so that our nation will benefit from this. As for the pageant industry, I shall continue to promote kindness and humanity to the society and less fortunate.
As a national sprinter, what's your training like and your diet?
Nothing in life is easy. Two training sessions a day, it starts early in the morning on the track when everyone is enjoying their sleep. Sometimes, I also have evening sessions in the gym under close supervision from my coach, a former Olympian, Josephine Mary. My dietician from the National Sport Council will advise me on my wellbeing and also diet. I will have to cut down if my BMI increases.
What has been your proudest moment as a sprinter?
My proudest moment as a sprinter is the first time that I won a medal for my state. To hear the state's song being played in the background, was surreal. When I first started in sports, I will never forget one moment that I was able to perform my personal best on the track when I least expected it. That's just so beautiful to me.
What is your biggest challenge?
My biggest challenge was when I was on crutches for six weeks during my last qualifying for the SEA Games in 2015. I had to juggle between my college, training and the travelling up and down with those crutches. It was literally something I never thought would hit me so bad.
In your own words, what do you think stood you out from the other contestants?
Every contestant is fabulous and fine in their own ways. I believe that being of mixed parentage, I have the best of both worlds; it's truly being a Malaysian. I dared to try and accept challenges despite my odds. The confidence and exposure I've had in representing the country were also some of the plus points that made me able to stand out there and smile without fear of the crowd.
What was the best advice given to you?
The best advice was given by my late grandmother, Tan Ah Moi, "Comments and critics build you, if it hurts, it's gonna build you up even more." And my dad's advice is to keep trying, as a twist of you'll never know what lies ahead.
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