Story and photos by REDintern Azmi Suhaimi.
Choa Chu Kang Stadium, Friday, July 4, 2008 – Soh Rui Yong of Raffles Junior College won the 5000 metres A-Boys Final at the 49th Inter-School Track and Field Championships last Friday in a personal best time of 16 minutes 32.68 seconds. This was 12 seconds ahead of his nearest rival, cementing his position as a Champion, and confirming that he is one to look out for in future events.
Rui Yong led the field from the start, but his quest for gold was not without a challenge as fellow competitors Lee Ming Hui (Victoria JC) and Bryan Tan (Catholic JC) matched him stride for stride in the first half of the race.
However, in the last three laps, Rui Yong started to break away from the duo by shifting his pace and digging deep. When questioned on what was running through his mind for the last few laps, he quipped: “I just told myself: ‘Hang on until the last lap. I can do this.’ And thankfully I clinched it. I’d like to thank my Coach and teacher-in-charge Mr Steven Quek & Mr Tay Meng Kiat for believing in me.”
He also showed grace in victory. “Congratulations to the other runners too as they all ran at a very fast pace.”
As soon as Rui Yong crossed the line, arms held aloft in joy, he quickly refocused himself, shook the other runners’ hands and went on a cool down jog, the only one amongst the 27-strong competitors to do so.
It might seem a small matter to some, but perhaps such mundane routines could also reflect a strong work ethic and desire, an attitude and mentality that separates the victor from the others.
Final Result:
1st- Soh Rui Yong (RJC) – 16:32.68
2nd – Lee Ming Hui (VJC) – 16:48.90
3rd – Tan Boon Han Bryan (CJC) – 16:50.15
I am always proud of a Rafflesian making a mark in sports. Well done! You are an inspiration to many of us who have left school (Raffles) 30 years ago and could do no such feat as you did!
rui yong is also this year’s A div cross country champion
Ruiyong!
Lol danny. ><
Ruiyong ! 🙂