WATHCING the intense showdown between Noah Lyles and Christian Coleman in the 60m dash at the 2024 World Indoor Championships in Glasgow evoked memories of my own experiences in athletics and sports during my school days and undergraduate years.
I couldn’t help but notice the disappointment etched on Lyles’ face after being defeated by Coleman — a feeling I could relate to. In the world of sports, triumphs and losses go hand in hand.
My journey in sports began in fourth grade when I became actively involved in various athletic activities, particularly track and field.
I also played as a goalie for the school football team, but my aspirations in football were cut short by an incident involving my older brother, Jon.
During a penalty kick practice, his powerful shot propelled me through the air, dampening my enthusiasm for the sport. As a result, I decided to end my football engagement.
However, it was in athletics that I found a small taste of success at the tender age of 11 in 1965.
I became a member of the school’s Boys B 100m x 4 relay team and had the opportunity to participate in regional inter-school meets. It was a rollercoaster of wins and losses.
During our own school’s meet in Saratok, known as Nanga Assam Primary School, we competed against our fellow schoolmates and won prizes ranging from exercise books to towels and toiletries.
I proudly represented the school in the relay for three consecutive years since 1965.
In 1968, when I entered SMK Saratok in Form One, I opted not to join any sports except for basketball.
However, in 1969, while in Form Two, I was tempted to participate in the 800m run just for fun.
Surprisingly, after regular practice, I achieved a commendable run and secured second place in the school’s inter-house athletic meet.
This accomplishment granted me the opportunity to represent the school in the inter-school athletic meet hosted by St. Augustine Secondary School in Betong that year. It was also the first time the 5,000-meter run was introduced.
My classmate Ngumbang Ikom and I participated in the 800m run against representatives from other schools in the Second Division (now Sri Aman Division).
Although we didn’t secure victory, he managed to finish slightly ahead of me in fourth place.
We also decided to join the 5,000m run for the fun of it but didn’t complete the race.
During my time at SMK Saratok, I was also selected for the junior basketball team, which required at least two Bumiputera students in each team.
It was an enjoyable experience and a great opportunity to forge friendships with mostly Chinese teammates.
I remained part of the team throughout my years in the school and achieved some success in inter-school contests.
In 1972, I tasted victory when I won the gold medal in the Senior Boys’ Triple Jump with a modest jump of 42 feet. However, I faced defeat in the inter-school meet that same year.
The gold medal, presented by our Literature teacher, Theodore Bryant Pack, who served as a Peace Corps volunteer, remains a cherished item in my collection to this day.
I still maintain contact with Mr Pack through Facebook. That gold medal was the only one I ever won in any level of athletic competition.
In November 1972, as I bid farewell to SMK Saratok, I took the opportunity to take a photo with Ted Pack while holding the gold medal as a lasting memento.
In 1973, when I transferred to Methodist School in Sibu to continue my studies in Lower Six, I became a regular hockey player and represented the school in inter-school matches.
In athletics, I continued my journey in the triple jump, securing second place in the inter-house meet but falling short in the inter-school meet.
I even participated in shot-put during the 1974 inter-school meet but without success.
In the 100m x 4 relay, I ran for the school’s Boys A team and secured second place, losing to Sacred Heart in 1973.
However, I didn’t continue competing in the relay during my Upper Six year.
I vividly remember a memorable incident during practice in the Methodist School field. I raced against Lau Kiew Ung, the Girls A 100m champion from the Third Division (now Sibu Division), and was soundly defeated.
We shared a good laugh, and Lau Kiew Ung’s younger sister, Lau Kiew Ee, who later became Malaysia’s 100m hurdle champion, also joined in the run.
Between 1975 and 1979, during my time at the University of Science (USM) in Penang, I participated in basketball and hockey games, although I didn’t play for the Faculty of Education.
However, in 1977, I had the opportunity to be part of the organising committee for the varsity athletic meet, as it was our Faculty of Education’s turn to host the event.
I recall using a shot-put meant for juniors rather than the standard one, which resulted in a dismal performance during the staff-student shotput event.
It was a humbling experience, but it taught me the importance of using the right equipment and being prepared.
Overall, my athletic journey was a mix of victories, defeats, and memorable moments.
While I didn’t achieve significant success or continue pursuing athletics at a competitive level, I cherish the memories and lessons learned from my participation in various sports.
Sports taught me the value of perseverance, teamwork, and the thrill of competition.
Despite not reaching the heights of athletes like Noah Lyles or Christian Coleman, I appreciate the dedication and passion they bring to their sport.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the New Sarawak Tribune.
