Evetovics, 33, University Lecturer | Tengku
Hilda, 38, Researcher
Husband and Wife, Malaysia
At 1.5m, Hilda’s petite stature belies her fiery personality and her royal ancestry. Towering over her at 1.8m, her Hungarian partner Ivan has lived in Malaysia for 15 years and considers himself no more European than he is Asian. The couple met as college sweethearts and have been married for 14 years.
In fact, their ten-year-old daughter was their main motivator in joining the race. “She wants us to win the race for her and her cause to save the Earth,” laughs Hilda.
This is one formidable team the rest have to look out for – the couple is well versed in the art of Judo, Parkour (free running), as well as Brazilian Jiujitsu, derived from the Japanese martial art of self defense against a bigger, stronger opponent. Hilda is particularly gleeful that she has beaten Ivan at Judo, the very sport he coaches. Their strategy for the race is to stay calm throughout and run a “thinking” race.