Track and field prospect Jannah Wong wins 80m hurdles gold

Story and pictures by Leslie Tan

Bishan Stadium, Thursday, July 3, 2008 – Jannah Wong of Katong Convent Primary won the 80m hurdles this afternoon in 14 seconds flat with a 3-step hurdling technique, a rare technical achievement for a primary school track and field athlete. The technique is seen regularly only among secondary-level athletes while most of the primary-level hurdlers were taking at least four to five steps between hurdles.

“My coach, Mr Lim, taught me the technique. It was hard to learn it,” said Jannah after the prize giving ceremony at the National Inter-Primary Track and Field Championships. ” I only started doing the hurdles this year and it is stressful and painful!” said the Primary 6 student whose personal best is 13.53s for the event which she achieved in the heats. The time is also a meet record.

“She’s very dedicated,” said Mr Lim Tiang Quee, her coach, who used to hold the national long jump record and has been involved in coaching since 1956. “And her parents are supportive too which is important. She’s willing to work 4-5 times a week. Up to now, this is the first time in 50 years of coaching that I have seen a primary school hurdler do the 3-step technique.”