By REDintern Romaine Soh
Look Xin Yi (#1205) of NUS coming in 1st in a time of 2:28.91. (Photo 1 © Joseph Lee/ Red Sports)
ITE College East (Simei), Saturday, February 2, 2013 — After winning the 1500m title the previous week, Look Xin Qi of the National University of Singapore (NUS) was crowned the middle-distance queen when she added the 800m title to her belt of achievements at the Institute-Varsity-Polytechnic (IVP) Track and Field Championships.
Xin Qi clocked 2 minutes 28.91 seconds to hit the finish line first. She was followed by Cheryl Chan of Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) who finished second in 2:31 while Chua Khai Leng of the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) was third in 2:32.
Xin Qi, Cheryl and Khai Leng were in the lead pack from the moment the gun went off. While Khai Leng had decided to share the lead with Xin Qi, in the hopes of clocking a good timing, Xin Qi did not allow any threats to a possible second gold medal, kicking off and assuming the lead after 200m. The first lap was completed in 73s, on track for a timing of 2:26.
As the bell rung for the final lap, there was a lot of scurrying among the front pack as they fought to avoid getting left behind in the sprint finish.
With 250m to go, Cheryl caught Khai Leng, who could not open up her strides to pose a challenge in the sprint finish.
Both Xin Qi and Cheryl are known for their feared finishing speed, and all eyes were now on who would be the faster of the two.
As they rounded the final bend, Xin Qi’s lead increased, destroying any notions of an upset. She eventually crossed the line in a timing of 2:28.
Cheryl was visibly pleased with her performance, exclaiming: “It was a great end to this season! I was a little worried at first, since I was the youngest competitor. I was also suffering from shin splints!
“But I had a wonderful team to back me up and give me their support. Although I was rather far from my personal best, but this only proves the need for more training to come back stronger!”
“After the track season, I’ll probably take a break to focus on my studies, but I will still take part in external races such as the adidas Sundown Marathon, the 2XU Compression Run, the Metasprint series (triathlon) and TRI-factor!” added Cheryl.
Khai Leng, optimistic as ever, issed an ultimatum lined with quiet determination: “I’ll be back next year!”
With all of the top three still eligible to participate next year, the outcome will depend on who will live up to their renewed expectations of themselves after this race.
800m Results
1st Look Xin Qi (National University Singapore) — 2:28.91
2nd Chan Cheryl (Ngee Ann Polytechnic) — 2:31.98
3rd Chua Khaileng (Nanyang Technological University) — 2:32.74
4th Cheng Si’ Jia (Ngee Ann Polytechnic) — 2:40.76
5th Khoo Yi Zhen (Nanyang Polytechnic) — 2:42.59
6th Liaw Jiayi (Singapore Management University) — 2:43.43
7th Zhang Xiao (Nanyang Technological University) — 2:44.66
8th Er Alica (Nanyang Polytechnic) — 2:48.99
9th Yee Claire (Temasek Polytechnic) — 2:50.06
10th Ng Michelle (Temasek Polytechnic) — 2:52.56
11th Ghui Fenn Fiona (Singapore Institute of Management) — 2:54.67
12th Tan, Hui Zhen Sarah (National University Singapore) — 2:56.06
13th S Ruthra (Singapore Polytechnic) — 3:11.91
14th Chew Ke Shing Ivy (Singapore Polytechnic) — 3:12.23
15th Bte Ayob, Nurul Endang Atiqah (Republic Polytechnic) — 3:27.50
DNS Tan Wei Ling (Institute of Technical Education)
DNS Bte Roozlan Renee Roozlynna (Republic Polytechnic)
DNS Cheng Pauline Ochura (Singapore Management University)
DNS Lim, Pei Qi (Singapore Institute of Management)
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