Hundreds of Klang Valley residents turned up at the Curve to witness and support 62 of Malaysia’s bravest and fittest take part in the highly anticipated Subaru Palm Challenge 2012 – Malaysia leg. Contestants were queuing from as early as 6am to draw lots for their positions around the two cars on display, hoping for the best spot. The Subaru Palm Challenge saw 62 participants, with 55 of them being male and remaining seven, female; all in for the same reason, to be the last 10 standing to represent Malaysia at the MediaCorp Subaru Challenge – The Asian Face Off in Singapore from the 27th Oct – 31st Oct. The challenge was managed by a total of 16 marshals, including two chief marshals, who ensured fair play throughout the event.
During The Asian Face Off last year, 42 year old Mr. Chong Kiat Chi of Singapore ousted 399 other challengers by lasting 75 hours and 36 minutes to take home the grand prize a Subaru WRX. Throughout the nine and a half hour endurance challenge which kick-started at 10am; participants were required to place their right palm firmly on the lot drawn while completing all seven elimination rounds. On top of the elimination tasks, participants were separated into two teams based on the car they were assigned to. Teams then had to challenge each other by singing and rapping to win a bonus seven second break.
“I did not feel the strain at first. I thought that this would be an easy ordeal. However, after the first elimination round, my muscles started aching and I could feel the physical challenge taking its place. Once you actually overcome this part, the real challenge begins where the tired mind starts playing tricks on you,” shared finalist Tan Yeo Chian who traveled all the way from Pontian, Johor.
By the first elimination round at 1pm several participants gave in to the heat. The sun was blazing and this made the challengers tire quicker. Before the 10-minute break began at 4pm, there were two more elimination rounds at 2pm and 3pm respectively, which witnessed participants standing on their left leg with their left arm vertically up in the 2pm challenge. At the six hour mark, the teams took turns to take a 10 minute break. During the break, the remaining participants were allowed to use the limited time for light refreshments (such as bananas, watermelon pieces and sandwiches prepared by Subaru) or to use the restroom during.
After the break, the weather did not make it any easier as light showers started getting heavier around 4.30pm. With four more elimination rounds ahead of them, where they had to perform feats such as balancing a ping-pong ball with a spoon using only their mouth, the radical change of temperature only tested the participants further.
By the final elimination round, 17 male contestants and only one female contestant were left. This was when the final showdown took place. It was not easy as they were required to balance two 500ml bottles of water 90 degrees horizontally with their left arm while standing only on their right leg.
One by one, the remaining participants gave in to the challenge, but after nine and a half grueling hours standing under the hot sun and rain, the last 10 standing had much to celebrate as this would be their ticket to Asian Face Off. The 10 Malaysian champions will compete against the 310 Singapore local contestants and 80 other challengers from across the region to win a brand new Subaru car.
Finalist Ganesan Thavasimuthu (better known as Rusty) from Klang commented “This is only the beginning. Although my entire body is aching now, I feel that every second spent standing today has made its worth. I can’t wait for Singapore – Bring it on!”
The 10 Malaysian leg winners received an all-expense paid trip to the Lion City from the 26th – 31st of October for the finals, a watch worth up to RM1,600 sponsored by Orient and Subaru merchandise which included a t-shirt, cap and toiletries bag, amongst other premium items.
