For many, fitness is about discipline and strength. For Marani, it’s about resilience — the kind that comes from falling, healing, and rising again, stronger than before.
Today, she’s known as the friendly and inspiring face at Core Collective, connecting fitness and wellness professionals across the space. But behind her warmth and energy lies a remarkable story of comeback, self-discovery, and community — one that continues to inspire everyone around her.
A Fighter at Heart
Marani in her school's national karate team.
Marani’s journey in sports began when she was just 16. As a member of her school’s national karate team in Penang, Malaysia, she trained rigorously, embodying the spirit of dedication and focus. But when the time came to choose between pursuing her passion and her career, she made the tough decision to step away from competitive sport.
Not long after, life threw another curveball — a spine injury that left her at a crossroads: surgery or rehabilitation. Surgery could offer a quick fix, but no guarantee of returning to sport. Marani chose the long road. For nearly eight years, she put everything on hold, dedicating herself to recovery, one careful step at a time.
When Marani moved to Singapore, she was ready for a reset. She tried everything — half marathons, full marathons, gym training. Within six months, she dropped from 100kg to 75kg, a transformation that went beyond physical change. Working in the fitness industry at the time, Marani wanted to truly live what she was representing. But she was also searching for something more — a sense of belonging, a sport that felt like home.
That’s when she stumbled upon HYROX — the global fitness race that combines functional exercises with endurance training.
Discovering HYROX — and Herself
Marani and Core Collective Resident and Physiotherapist from River Physio, Amelia, pairing up for HYROX Bangkok 2025.
Her first HYROX competition was in 2024, where she competed in both singles and mixed doubles. Though she completed the race, she wasn’t satisfied with her performance. “I saw older athletes doing better than me,” she recalls. “That lit a fire in me — I knew I could do more.”
Driven to improve, Marani trained harder. But in her determination, she pushed too far, too fast. During the first station of a women’s doubles race in Bangkok earlier this year, both her kneecaps snapped. Her partner that day was Amelia, a Core Collective Resident and Physiotherapist from River Physio.
After the race, Marani sought treatment — and in a full-circle twist, Amelia attended to her as a physiotherapist. After a few physiotherapy sessions, Marani was advised that no surgery was needed, just rehab and patience. It was a reminder that recovery is also part of the journey.
Finding Support in the Core Collective Community
Marani at Core Collective's corporate boot camps in preparation for HYROX.
Marani’s story is deeply intertwined with Core Collective — not just as her workplace, but as the community that has supported her through every step of her HYROX journey. Core Collective sponsored the HYROX race tickets for the internal team and provided weekly corporate boot camps to prepare participants for the big day. Led by Dan Hammond, a Core Collective Resident and seasoned HYROX athlete who has clinched multiple podium finishes, the boot camps became a hub for camaraderie, motivation, and shared goals.
Marani with Core Collective Resident and seasoned HYROX athlete, Dan Hammond.
As part of the front-of-house team, Marani also draws inspiration and guidance from Residents daily. Personal trainers like Geriant Aw, another Core Collective Resident, offered her valuable tips and advice along the way. “Being surrounded by such passionate professionals makes a difference,” she says. “You can’t help but want to push your own limits too.”
Personal trainers at Core Collective like Geriant (centre) offer her valuable tips on her HYROX journey.
From Athlete to Head Judge
In November last year, Marani signed up as a HYROX judge — eager to contribute to the sport she had grown to love. Her dedication didn’t go unnoticed. This year, she was invited to serve as Head Judge, a role that allowed her to guide and inspire others from the sidelines.
At Core Collective, her story has resonated deeply with both staff and Residents alike. Her humility, grit, and enthusiasm remind everyone that growth doesn’t always follow a straight path — sometimes, it’s the detours that build the strongest foundation.
Looking Ahead
Now, Marani is back in training, eyes set on her next challenge: competing in the Singles Pro category, with a goal to podium and qualify for the HYROX World Championship in 2027.
Her go-to mantra? “Don’t think, just do it.”
“People tend to overthink — ‘What if this happens? What if that goes wrong?’” she says. “But sometimes, you just need to start. Think about it after the race.”
A True Core Collective Spirit
From karate to HYROX, from injury to leadership, Marani’s journey reflects what Core Collective stands for — a space where individuals grow, support one another, and move forward together. Whether she’s cheering others on from the front desk or leading by example on the competition floor, Marani continues to inspire everyone she meets to take that first step — and to keep going, no matter how long the road ahead.
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