MELAKA, June 5th – Its not about winning the race but its all about determination. That what happened at the Under 12 MOE-MSSM- MILO Cross Country held in Jasin, Melaka today.
Twelve year-old Muhammad Muiz Mohd Khairuz Zaiem had something to be proud off when he appeared on track to challenge for a podium finish. A collision with another runner disrupted his pace and sent him into painful cramp.
Rather than yield to discomfort, Muiz dug deep, settling into a determined walk-run gait that carried him across the finish line in under 28 minutes to an eruption of cheers. That display of courage quickly captured the nation’s attention.
His father, Mohd Khairuz Zaiem Mohmood Nor, shared the decisive moments on Instagram reminding Malaysians that “sport is the greatest teacher”.
Coach Maleeq Ridz (@maleeq.ridz on TikTok) and content creator Saidi Yusof both helped spread the story, making it one of most defining moments at this year’s MOE-MSSM- MILO series opener and inspiring fellow students to carry that same resolve throughout the season.
Zaiem, a 40-year-old installation technician for CCTV and air-conditioning systems, first took up running during the COVID-19 pandemic after his doctor warned that his health markers were borderline.
“I was a long-distance runner in school so I knew the benefits, yet nothing prepared me for how our whole family would embrace the sport.”
A father to five children, four of whom have taken up running and are already making waves.
His eldest, Muhammad Mursyid, 15, competes at state level; 12-year-old Muiz captured hearts in Jasin; 11-year-old Muhammad Mustaqim has reached district finals and Rania, now eight, proudly represents her school in local meets. Little Raesa, five, watches on and surely to follow in their footsteps one day.
Raising four junior runners brings its share of expenses especially shoes, nutrition and travel but Zaiem considers every ringgit invested in their aspirations.
He’s especially grateful to friends and his school community for outfitting them and backing them at out-of-state races.
“It’s a joyful commitment. Seeing them cross the finish line makes every sacrifice worthwhile.”
His dedication extends beyond logistics – evening runs, early morning drills and post dinner schoolwork sessions are all part of the family’s rhythm.
Muiz’s feat in Melaka is more than a personal triumph and it illustrates MILO’s creed – ‘Sports is a Great Teacher’.
Through adversity on the course, he discovered resilience through regular practice and he has embraced discipline and the value of teamwork. Those same qualities shine at school, where as head boy and Scouts leader, he demonstrates strong academic focus and community spirit.
Off the track, Muiz maintains stellar grades -ranking third in his year while balancing his co-curricular commitments.
“I aim to improve with every race, drawing inspiration from my idol Haziq Hamzah and I hope to one day don Malaysia’s colours.”
Looking ahead, Muiz eyes district trials in sprints and hurdles, dreaming of one day representing Malaysia on the national stage.
For Zaiem, the ultimate reward is watching his children lace up with courage and run towards their potential as each stride a testament to a family’s belief in sport’s power to shape character.
In Besut, formal coaching is scarce. Determined to fill the gap, Zaiem has enrolled in a certified coaching course with WAC Level 2 mid and long-distance accreditation due this December.
Zaiem hopes to pass on these values as a certified coach, nurturing the next generation of resilient runners in his hometown.
Through their shared triumphs and setbacks, the Zaiem family underlines a powerful truth in every fall and every stride, grit prevails – and that is the heartbeat of MOE-MSSM- MILO.
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