The 2010 Asian Games was a multi-sports event in Guangzhou, China. The Game began on 12 November and finished on 27 November 2010. Calvin Kang from Reactiv gave us his insights on the Games. Have a read.
[Photo from http://www.teamsingapore.com.sg/content/teamsingapore/en/News/latest_news/2010/mixed_day.html]
16th Asian Games 2010 Guangzhou, China
The 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou had the hopes of the incredible success of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. As China were well prepared and ready to take on the Asian Games, it was a success. I would say that my stay in Guangzhou was great. Firstly, the very smooth traffic conditions, to the very courteous volunteers ready to greet you at every corner at any time of the day. And the high level of competition at the games. Track and field was scheduled in the later part of the games thus, we had been exposed by the media on how the Asian Games was going and I can remember that I was waiting patiently but eagerly to participate in the games. I was going there for one goal which is the 4x100m relay. There were daily times on the sports on the newspaper given to us every morning in our apartments, there was this interview and the girl said that the experience at the Asian Games were better than that at the YOG simply because the service was so good. The Chinese people had to pride of their country and thus giving their best in their area of volunteering. However, we cannot compare to China mainly because of the people to area ratio. There were hardly any hiccups, bus timings were very consistent, the reporting times and race times were smack on the dot.
On the race day of the 4x100m, I was charged up to run the race of my life as it was the last competition for me for the year. Equipping my mind mentally and staying relax helped me to feel good. The weather was cool and definitely dry, and it did not struck me that I may have been dehydrated. 30mins before reporting I had a major calf cramp. Thankfully, a masseur (sathi) was there to attend to me, shaking and stretching my calf. Downing 2 full bottles immediately helped me to recover. We had our spirits lifted up and were ready to give our best. Our heat had strong competitors like Japan, China, Saudi Arabia. I was at the 4th runner position counting my steps, feeling the cheer of the crowd for china was daunting and having Japan (Olympics bronze medalist) team on the outside of me gave a slight anxiety. But I knew that the Singapore team had trained well and we had the camaraderie and we were ready for this meet.
On your marks! Set, Go! Gun went off. Gary did a great start not letting the Japanese Eruguchi to pull away. Stepping on the mark, Elfi took off, accelerating down the straight. Shouting for ‘ Up!’ Elfi’s Hand went up, Gary aiming to place the baton in his hand. First time, it missed and slip, trying the second time made Gary over stretch and lose his running momentum only leaving elfi pulling further away and out of the exchange zone. There the relay time for the Singapore Team had ended. Leaving Amir and me to watch and observe the other runners zooming past us. We did not know what to do at that moment. In the minds of Gary and Elfi it was a shocker and in my mind, I guess the race was over and it was the end of my season. However, the relay is a team event and we took the result as a team.
Thankfully, they managed to squeeze me in the 200m. I was very fired up to run in the 200m. Usually, I did not have a clear race plan but this time round. I really had a plan from the blocks, coming out fast the first 30m mainly opening up my strides. Coming into the straight at the 80m to engage the frequency and powering and maintaining down to the finish line. In most races, the last 20m would kill me. But having a good race plan and being confident helped me to stick with the pack and finishing with a personal best of 21.68s . I was happy with my timing as I was aiming a personal best. And there I finished my 2010 season on a high. In the 100m having a season’s best of 10.61s and in the 4x100m in 40.14.
Thank you Calvin for sharing your wonderful experience in the Asian Games.
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I personally feel that there were too much pressure on the boys, hoping for a new national record. Having said that, there were also lots of indirect stress on the runners. For example, the new relay coordinator Mr Melvin Tan, took over Coach Hamkah for the responsibility of the 4 x 100m. For the past 4 years when Coach Hamkah and Mr Tang Ngai Kin took control over the relay team, there were resistance from personal coaches, uncertainties and even fights within the team and the coaches. However, the ex SAA had a team of experts to conquer these problems. These people include: Ralph (TD), Veera (Chief Coordinator), Hosni (Head Coach Sprints), Sharon (Video Analysis) and myself (Assistant Coach Sprint). We had a huge team to work closely together. However for this incident in Guangzhou, I would say Mr Melvin Tan is fighting this battle alone. I will not regard this as a failure, and Mr Melvin Tan should face it and come back stronger.
I also feel that nobody should be penalized for the baton passing. Accidents do occur and it happens to be during a major game. In fact, these boys should make full use of the chance to observe and learn from the Asia's best athletes and share it with our local athletes and coaches, and eventually improve our sporting culture in Singapore.
I can't wait for the new season to start and to look out for more young talents and potential athletes from Singapore school's system.
This is Alfred Sim signing off.
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