July-August. 2026 | The HEALTH

FOCUS

Kieron Brodie

• At 48, Kieron Brodie continues to compete at an elite level while carefully managing the physical demands of professional skateboarding.

• His training routine combines regular skatepark sessions with gym work, stretching, strength training and a dedicated weekly recovery day.

• With the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics as his goal, Brodie is taking a measured approach to climbing the points ladder while representing Malaysia internationally.

Brodie returned to competitive skateboarding in 2024 after an eight-year hiatus, making his comeback at 47. Almost two years later, he says that structured training, nutrition, recovery and mental focus have helped him reach the top of Malaysia’ s rankings.

His routine is built around consistency. In the month before competition, he trains at a skatepark for about an hour and a half, then returns home to rest and refuel. He then returns for another session. One day each week is reserved for recovery.

TRAINING WITH PURPOSE

Flexibility and agility are central to his preparation. Brodie incorporates gym training and stretching, including the use of resistance bands during warm-ups to build strength and prepare muscles.

His return to serious competition was not without difficulty. One early challenge was a series of dizzy spells. After consulting sports dietitian Tania Lee, he discovered that he needed to increase both his hydration and his food intake.

“ Just changing my diet fixed everything. I needed to eat more,” he said.

Building his strength and confidence required a structured approach. Working with Sports Rehab and Movement Specialist Bridget Ng, Brodie focused on his core and leg strength. With guidance from his sports dietitian, he trusted the process.

That approach has produced a significant result. Brodie is now the highestranked skateboarder in Malaysia under the national ranking system and also holds the highest world ranking among Malaysian skateboarders, at 135th.

MANAGING THE RISKS

For Brodie, recovery is essential. Sleep, nutrition, gym work and time away from skating are important factors.

The need for caution is especially important in a sport where falls and injuries are part of the risk. At 48, he says he has to be selective about the manoeuvres he attempts and recognise when his body needs a rest.

“ I ' ve got to be very careful, know my limits, take it a step at a time, and slowly climb that points system ladder,” he said.

His diet reflects the demands of

CHASING LA: Kieron Brodie continues to train and compete as he works towards an Olympic opportunity at Los Angeles 2028.

TRAINING REGIME: Kieron Brodie combines skatepark sessions with gym training, stretching, nutrition and recovery to maintain his competitive fitness. his training. He relies on carbohydrates and protein, including fish, chicken, rice and pasta, along with vegetables. He also takes creatine, whey protein, fish oils and multivitamins. Creatine is part of his routine when travelling.

Yet the greatest challenge may not be physical. Brodie says competing at his age requires mental resilience, particularly when faced with the assumption that someone in their late 40s should no longer be pursuing elite sport.

ONE OLYMPIC CHANCE

His response is to stay focused and listen to his body. During training or competition, he is prepared to pause, hydrate and reassess if anything feels wrong.

The goal driving that discipline is a place at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Brodie acknowledges that the path will not be easy or conventional, but believes it remains achievable with the right support.

He hopes his journey will encourage others in their 40s and 50s to reconsider assumptions about age and physical activity.

“ You ' re never too old to take a first walk, you ' re never too old to start swimming a lap or perhaps even try archery,” he said.

Representing Malaysia has given his pursuit deeper meaning. At the World Championships in São Paulo, Brazil, he recalled seeing the Malaysian flag flying alongside those of other nations.

“ Representing Malaysia on the international stage means everything to me,” he said.

As he continues to climb the rankings, Brodie remains aware that his Olympic pursuit demands patience, preparation and careful management of his body. At 48, the challenge is not simply to skate harder, but to know when to push, when to recover and when to take the next step.- The HEALTH