From Selangor, Malaysia, to Osaka, Japan - Shane Harrington, Airmaster’s Chiller Technician, has made an impressive mark, placing second in the AP division of the 2024 Daikin Global Service Olympics, a competition akin to the international sporting Olympics, held only once every four years.
After qualifying through the Asia-Oceania competition earlier this year, Shane joined 16 of the top AP division Daikin-affiliated chiller technicians and 28 DX division Daikin-affiliated HVAC technicians from Latin America, Europe, North America, China, the Middle East, and Africa to showcase his technical expertise at this prestigious event.
The Global Olympics, held at Daikin’s state-of-the-art training facility in Japan, tested competitors in both theory and practical components, pushing their skills to the limit. Shane’s performance stood out, securing him a second-place finish, a proud moment for both Shane and Airmaster.
“It’s a huge honour to have represented Airmaster on the global stage,” Shane said. “The competition was intense, and I’m proud of the skills and experience I’ve developed over the years, which helped me perform at my best.”
Earlier this year, Shane competed in the Asia-Oceania AP division in Malaysia, where his experience and commitment to ongoing training were evident. He excelled in both the theoretical and practical sections, securing his place at the global event. Shane’s success highlights the strength of Airmaster’s training programs, which continue to produce highly skilled technicians.
Ryan Mansfield, Airmaster Service Manager WA, shared his pride:
“Shane’s achievement is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and technical expertise. Competing on a global stage and bringing home a silver medal is no small feat, and we couldn’t be prouder of what he’s accomplished. His performance reflects the high standard we uphold at Airmaster, and he’s truly set an example for the entire team.”
Shane reflected on his journey, stating:
“The hands-on experience and real-world applications I’ve gained at Airmaster really gave me the confidence to compete at such a high level.”
With this achievement, Shane has demonstrated Airmaster’s commitment to excellence and technical expertise in the field.
After returning from Japan with a global silver medal in hand, we caught up with Shane to reflect on his journey, the challenges he faced, and what this achievement means for him moving forward. Here’s what he shared…
Interview with Shane Harrington
You’ve now competed on both regional and global stages. What was the biggest difference between the two competitions?
The regional competition felt less formal, with fewer competitors and a smaller setting. The global competition, on the other hand, was much bigger and more formal. Both were great experiences, and I had the chance to meet a lot of amazing people at each stage.
Can you share a moment from the competition that really pushed you to think on your feet?
The virtual reality component was a standout and complex challenge. It was new for all of us, and we had to quickly adapt and use critical thinking to work through it. It wasn’t just about what we knew but how we could handle the unexpected.
When you found out you placed second globally, what went through your mind? How have you celebrated the achievement?
I was really pleased, and honestly, a bit surprised! After the competition, we had a great celebratory dinner with the other contestants and hosts. It was a perfect way to unwind, reflect on the whole experience and connect with everyone.
Was there a particular skill or piece of knowledge that you felt really gave you an edge in the competition?
I’d say staying calm under pressure helped a lot. The tasks were demanding, but keeping a cool head and working methodically made a difference.
How did you connect with other technicians from around the world, and what did you learn from them?
It was interesting to meet technicians from different countries. The trade is pretty similar everywhere, but the big differences are in things like climate and the size of operations. It was great to see how we all approach the same challenges in slightly different ways.
What advice would you give to future hopeful competitors?
Trust in your skills, stay open to new challenges, and most importantly, enjoy the experience. The opportunity to see Japan and Malaysia was a real highlight, and it was eye-opening to see how big Daikin’s operations are globally.
Congratulations to Shane on this incredible achievement! His success is a testament to his hard work, and we look forward to supporting him as he continues his Airmaster journey.
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