Swimmers Compete for World Final Qualification in Spectacular Sabah Showcase

22 July 2025

KOTA KINABALU: A total of 592 swimmers from 39 nations descended on the shores of Pantai Dalit Beach, Tuaran, to compete in Oceanman Kota Kinabalu , a key qualifier for the prestigious Oceanman World Final Championship 2025, set to take place in Dubai from 3 to 7 December.

With the top 10 finishers in each age group and the top three in the ‘inspiration’ category earning coveted places at the World Final, competition was fierce across a range of events, including the 2km Sprint, 5km, 10km, 500-metre relay, and the Oceankids 500-metre swim.

The event welcomed swimmers of all ages and abilities, celebrating not just elite performances but also the spirit of open-water endurance and international camaraderie.

Sabah’s stunning coastline proved an ideal backdrop, reinforcing the state's growing reputation as a world-class sports tourism destination. Sabah Tourism Board (STB) CEO Julinus Jeffrey Jimit hailed the event as a significant milestone.

“As the host venue from 2024 through 2026, we’re thrilled about the opportunity Oceanman presents to elevate Sabah’s profile on the global stage of sports tourism,” he said.

He added that staging the event in Tuaran, outside the urban centre, offered a unique platform to showcase the natural beauty and rural charm of the region to international athletes and visitors.

“The economic and cultural impact of events like this cannot be overstated. Sports tourism attracts high-spending, experience-driven travellers who not only take part in the event but also explore our wider tourism offerings,” Julinus said.

By hosting Oceanman, Sabah is not only championing athletic excellence but also strengthening its appeal as a destination for meaningful, adventure-rich travel.