Smooth sailing

AT the tender age of eight, Nur Shazrin Mohamad Latif began learning how to sail at Tanjung Langsat, Pasir Gudang in Johor. She wasn’t even interested to begin with, but her family coaxed her to try and the sport grew on her after some time.
Sailing gave Nur Shazrin the opportunity to shine for Malaysia when she became the first female sailor to compete at the Rio Olympics in August. She competed in the laser radial class category and was chosen during the Asian sailing qualifications in Abu Dhabi.
“I didn’t target to win. I just wanted to see how much I have improved in terms of my skills. Despite having trained for only two years, I did my best and it was a rezeki (blessing) to qualify. I am proud to have represented Malaysia,” she said.
Could you share some techniques involved in sailing?
Sailing is a complicated sport because we play with mother nature. That is one of the biggest challenges because I need to know how to read wind shifts, currents and waves while handling the boat. It is difficult to control the boat against strong winds and big waves.
What is your training like?
Sailing is not like other sports so it is a little difficult for me to explain how it works. Basically, I train every day in the water and my coach will guide me on the spot which is easier because only the sailor knows how to manoeuvre the boat.
How do you prepare yourself physically and mentally?
Sailing requires one to be strong physically and mentally. Mentally, because I have to always think positive even when people say negative things about me. I have to take that negativity and turn it into something positive to fuel and uplift my spirit. Physically, we have gym sessions every morning before training in the water.
It is important to have self-motivation and never give up. In a race, we have to motivate ourselves and work hard until we reach the finish line. I have trained so hard and sacrificed so much to be a sailor, hence I should not let that go to waste.
Recall your experience at the Rio Olympics.
Rio taught me a lot of things, such as boat handling and sail setting techniques. There is much more I need to learn to become a good sailor. The experience in Rio is very valuable. I got to race with top sailors from around the world and through that, I got to improve my weaknesses and further motivate myself.
What is your secret to success?
Just believe in yourself. If you want something, you need to keep working hard with sincerity and honesty. Never forget your responsibility towards God and always respect your coach.
Any advice for those interested in the sport?
Malaysia is only starting to recognise sailing as a sport, and I hope Malaysians will understand it more after this. Sailing is a tough sport and it’s not easy to be a successful sailor. My advice is to never give up because it will take time to succeed. Keep training and I believe rezeki is anywhere.
TRIVIA
Hobbies: Watching movies and dramas, and taking photographs of nature.
Favourite subjects in school: Science and history.
Favourite food: Ayam masak lemak cili padi.
Countries visited: Croatia, Italy and United Arab Emirates.