Story by REDintern Ellis Yap and Nicole Lum/Red Sports. Photos by Lim Yong Teck and Clara Yuan/Red Sports
Joyceleen Yap (#250) of Cedar Girls’ Secondary in action. She clocked a timing of 11:37.90 to finish in first place. (Photo 1 © Lim Yong Teck/Red Sports)
Bukit Gombak Stadium, Monday, April 20, 2015 — A late surge from Joyceleen Yap of Cedar Girls’ Secondary proved fruitful as she pocketed the B Division girls’ 3000m gold with a timing of 11 minutes and 37.90 seconds at the 56th National Inter-School Track and Field Championships.
Elaine Quah of Raffles Girls’ School and Alicia Tung of Crescent Girls’ School came in second and third, each with a timing of 11:57.81 and 12:07.45 respectively.
Elaine had a strong start, holding a commanding lead throughout most of the race.
From the fifth lap onward, it was obvious that fatigue was kicking in for Elaine with her paced starting to slack off. Joyceleen, who had been consistently pacing behind, took advantage and surpassed Elaine in the final round.
Joyceleen never looked back and finished the race strong, earning herself the well-deserved gold. Elaine settled for silver, while Alicia overcame Saranniya K Rajendran of Guangyang Secondary for the bronze.
“It was an excellent race and I left with no regrets. I never thought I could win today with my 11:37.90 timing,” said Joyceleen, who outstripped her previous personal best by more than 30 seconds.
Second-placed Elaine lauded Joyceleen for her effort. She said, “There were a lot of issues during my season so it wasn’t so good. Today’s race was a close one but Joyceleen did well.” Elaine was the B Division champion at the recent 56th National Schools Cross Country Championships.
Two years ago, bronze medallist Alicia home took home the gold in the girls’ C Division 3000m final. “I’m happy with my result but I will continue to see what I can improve and come back stronger,” Alicia remarked.
All three girls have been running alongside each other for many races. On their close friendship, Eileen explained, “We are all very friendly competitors, and we try to push each other.”
The meet record of the B Division girls’ 3000m stands at 10:47.09, and is held by Yvonne Lin who was running for Singapore Sports School then in 2006.
B Division Girls’ 3000m Results
1st Joyceleen Yap Yin Xiu (Cedar Girls’ Secondary) – 11:37.90
2nd Quah Li Ying Elaine (Raffles Girls’ School) – 11:57.81
3rd Alicia Tung Rui Ling (Crescent Girls’ School) – 12:07.45
4th Saranniya K Rajendran (Guangyang Secondary) – 12:15.51
5th Zhong Yi (Cedar Girls’ Secondary) – 12:23.68
6th Tan Mariviv (Guangyang Secondary) – 12:36.52
7th Keh Chin Yip (North Vista Secondary) – 12:36.73
8th Khin Yadanar Oo (Raffles Girls’ School) – 12:43.79
9th Wu Jia Yi, Elise (CHIJ St. Nicholas Girls’ School) – 12:43.97
10th Lau Jia En, Ashley (National Junior College) – 12:46.43
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