By REDintern Romaine Soh
T. Haarishankar at the recent SAA Cross Country Championships. He broke the championship record in a personal best time of 9:45.26. (Photo 1 © Joseph Lee/Red Sports)
ITE College West (Simei), Saturday, January 26, 2013 — T. Haarishankar of Republic Polytechnic (RP) bagged the gold in the 3000m Steeplechase final at the Institute-Varsity-Polytechnic (IVP) Track and Field Championships. He clocked a personal best of 9 minutes 45.26 seconds, and in the process also broke a 20-year-old IVP championship record.
The previous record holder was N Ganesan of Ngee Ann Polytechnic, who ran a 9:57 in 1993.
Haarishankar’s training partner Muhammad Shah Feroz from the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) won the silver in 10:24, while the bronze went to Su Yen Bing of the National University of Singapore (NUS) who clocked 10:39.
Feroz took the lead from the start, with Haarishankar — or ‘Shankar’ as he is known in the track and field community — following close behind. However, Feroz’s lead was not to last, as Shankar took over and powered off into the distance. Shankar’s long legs proved an advantage, as he was able to hurdle over the steeplechases with much ease, gradually increasing the gap between himself and his opponents.
As the race progressed, NUS representatives Yen Bing and Wilbert Ho moved up the field to overtake Colin Tung from NTU, who had been near the front pack of Shankar and Feroz at the start.
At the last lap, the effects of the cruel heat were etched clearly on each runner’s face. The heat took its toll on Yen Bing at the water jump, as he plunged straight into the pit after he climbed over the obstacle. Fortunately, this disruption in momentum did not cost him his third placing.
When asked for his take on the race, Shankar replied: “Shiok ah!”
Shankar was signed up for the 1500m, but decided to boycott the race because it was to be held a mere 40 minutes after his steeplechase race.
Yen Bing rued his fast start.
“I went too fast in the first 3 laps, which was off the pace I had in mind. This probably contributed to my overwhelming fatigue. I admire Shankar for being able to maintain a steady pace throughout the race, so he is really deserving of the record!” said Yen Bing.
3000m Steeplechase Results
1st T. Haarishankar (Republic Polytechnic) — 9 min 45.26sec (New Record)
2nd Muhammad Shah Feroz (Nanyang Technological University) — 10:24.07
3rd Su Yen Bing (National University Singapore) — 10:39.22
4th Ho Hsien Hao Wilbert (National University Singapore) — 10:41.71
5th Colin Tung (Nanyang Technological University) — 10:42.49
6th Lim Kye Wen (Ngee Ann Polytechnic) — 11:09.07
7th Chua You Boon (Singapore Institute of Management) — 11:10.14
8th Nabin Parajuli (Nanyang Polytechnic) — 11:29.62
9th Cheong Wentan (Singapore Management University) — 11:50.97
10th Ahmad Mohammad Azman (Singapore Polytechnic) — 12:24.48
11th Yeo Wen Jun Sean (Singapore Polytechnic) — 12:29.08
12th Chang Albert (Ngee Ann Polytechnic) — 12:50.11
13th Nah Shawn (Institute of Tech Education) — 13:51.37
14th Tham Yu Xin Edwin (Republic Polytechnic) — 15:07.97
DNS Mohamed Ajmil Bin Hamid (Nanyang Polytechnic)
DNS Ang Xin Yao Desmond (Singapore Management University)
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