Story and photos by Stefanus Ian/Red Sports
Syed Hussein Aljunied (#256) of Victoria Junior College celebrating his win during the A Division boys’ 1500m race. He finished with a time of 04:16.41s. (Photo 1 © Stefanus Ian).
Choa Chu Kang Stadium, Monday, April 9, 2018 — Syed Hussein powered home in an exciting finish in the A Division Boys’ 1500m race to continue his record of scoring at least two gold medals for three years in a row, clocking in at 04:16.41s.
He previously won the gold medal for the A Division Boys’ 800 race on April 6. But Syed’s sixth placing for this year’s cross country also meant that he narrowly missed out on an individual treble-treble after winning three gold medals for the previous two years — 1500m, 5000m and cross country last year, and 1500m, 3000m and cross country in the B Division a year before.
Dominant from the start, his cruise to victory had a minor turbulence when he lost his lead with about half a lap to go.
“I led from the start but with 250 (metres) to go… four guys just surged and they all just cut me in and I told myself to not panic and just to remain calm,” said Syed.
“But I didn’t really make a move yet… my legs were still feeling a little fresh, so I just relaxed myself, moved out and try to position myself and with 200 to go, I just went for it.”
From there, the 18-year-old pulled away from his competitors and never looked in any trouble and could even afford to take a look back to check on his lead.
With this gold, Syed pulled the curtains on his individual races for his National track and field season, adding that he will miss the Nationals.
“To look back it’s pretty crazy it’s been five years, five seasons,” said Syed.
“This is my last ever individual race so I am happy how it turned out but I am still a little disappointed that I didn’t complete the treble-treble but I guess I have to move on.”
A Div Boys’ 1500m results
Syed Hussein B Syed Negaib A (#256, Victoria Junior College) — 04:16.41
Ethan Yikai Yan (#290, Hwa Chong Institution) — 04:17.47
Nedunchezian Selvageethan (#164, Raffles Institution) — 04:17.89
Tung Kin Pang, Dave (#323, Hwa Chong Institution) — 04:18.82
Wong Meng Ern, Philip (#91, Anglo-Chinese School (Independent)) — 04:19.63
Jonathan Low Yi Wei (#78, Anglo-Chinese School (Independent)) — 04:23.17
Darren Tan Chongming (#54, Yishun Junior College) — 04:26.31
Song Ivan (#320, Hwa Chong Institution) — 04:26.45
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