Meet Nicholas Long, a talented triathlete born in Malaysia who is heading to the UK to combine his passion for the sport with his academic ambitions.
From national triumphs in Malaysia to competing on the international stage, Nicholas Long has already carved out an impressive triathlon journey — and now he is preparing to take the next step, combining his academic ambitions with his pursuit of sporting excellence at the UK’s top ranked sporting university.
A graduate of Methodist College Kuala Lumpur, Nicholas has represented Malaysia at the 2023 Southeast Asian Games as well as on the World Triathlon Continental Cup and Championship circuit.
Working with The Student Sport Company, Nicholas has secured a place to study Economics and Finance at Loughborough University — the UK’s leading sporting institution and home to some of the best facilities in the country — where he will continue his promising triathlon career alongside his academic studies.
Now, with his sights set on going as far as possible in triathlon, we spoke with Nicholas as he prepares to begin the next chapter of his journey as both a student and an athlete.
Get to Know Nicholas
Attended Methodist College Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.
Competed in various World Triathlon Continental Cup & Championships Races.
Represented Malaysia in South East Asian Games 2023.
Will be working towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Finance.
Could you summarise your sporting experience to date?
What has your sporting journey looked like so far?
“It has been a decade of ups and downs in the multiple sports I have participated in. It takes a lot of discipline to juggle studies and training. Striving for continuous improvement and seeing it happen, analysing race strategies with my coaches and executing them well, spending time training with my team mates – all these make the journey worthwhile.”
Why did you feel that UK University was the right next step for you and what drew you to Loughborough?
“The quality of UK education is well known. Malaysians also generally have an affinity to the UK due to our history.
Loughborough itself is a high ranking university in the UK. As well as offering the subject of my choice – Economics and Finance, it offers top coaches and facilities for all kinds of sports especially triathlon, which is my passion.”
As one of triplets, Nicholas has shared the stage with his siblings in triathlon and duathlon events, embracing a demanding sporting journey that has already brought him multiple national-level podiums and valuable international experience.
What are you most looking for first year are your academic and athletic goals while in the UK?
“Living independently in a foreign country, making new friends and improving myself both in education and sports. As well as achieving good results in my university subjects, I want to rank well in the upcoming SouthEast Asia Games 2025.”
How did The Student Sport Company support you through the recruitment process?
“The Sport Company advised me on the university options taking into account my education and sport requirements. They connected me with admission officers / coaches in different universities so that I can learn more about the universities before I made my final decision on which university to attend which would be very difficult without their assistance.”
Nicholas’ standout results include a third-place finish amongst Malaysian at the Asia Triathlon Junior Cup Kampar, victory at the 2023 Kenanga Port Dickson Triathlon, and the honour of representing Malaysia at the Southeast Asian Games — a milestone that fuels his ambition to keep pushing himself as far as he can go in the sport.
What advice would you give to other students who are just starting their search for a UK University?
“Make sure that you list down what is important to you such as the course of study, ranking, environment, facilities, community and do your homework on the universities to see how they match up to those criteria you have set.
Talking to seniors from those universities especially those who share the same passion as you can help you figure out which university is the right fit for you.”
Interested in pursuing your triathlon career and education at a UK University? We can help!
We proudly work with the leading sporting and academic institutions throughout the U.K. and are able to offer international students of all ages and levels of study the opportunity to combine their preferred academic qualifications with their sporting ambitions.
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