Beijing, China, February 4, 2022: The President of the Olympic Council of Malaysia, Tan Sri Dato’ Sri (Dr.) Mohamad Norza Zakaria, has praised the Olympic values of a father-and-daughter team at the Beijing Winter Olympics.
Aruwin Salehhuddin, 17, is in Beijing to compete in the alpine skiing, while her father Salehhuddin Ayob is the alpine ski team manager – and himself a fellow Olympian in canoe/kayak slalom at Atlanta 1996.
“On behalf of the OCM, I would like to express our utmost appreciation to both the father and the daughter, Salehhuddin and Aruwin, for their great contributions towards the Olympic Movement in Malaysia,” the OCM President said.
“The great Olympic values demonstrated by Salehhuddin and Aruwin are extraordinary and second to none in the sporting history of Malaysia,” he added.
Salehhuddin Ayob is the proud father of Aruwin Salehhuddin. He possesses a Master of Arts Degree in Political Science from the Kent State University, Ohio, USA and took up the sport of canoe/kayak when he joined the Kent State Kayaking Club while attending the Kent State University in 1988.
Born in 1964, he made his first international appearance in 1995 and participated in 20 ICF World Cup events from 1995 to 2000. He also participated in two ICF World Championships in 1995 and 1999.
His most remarkable achievement was qualifying to compete for Malaysia in Canoe Slalom - Men’s Kayak Singles Slalom at the XXVI Olympic Games Atlanta 1996, finishing in 43rd position.
The dedication and determination of Salehhuddin Ayob in pursuing his sporting career became the source of inspiration for his daughter Aruwin Salehhuddin, who has shown great talent in alpine skiing to qualify for Beijing 2022.
When asked what he had done to inspire his daughter to excel in sport, he answered: “I always do my best to become the role model for my daughter.”