I joined track because I wanted to share something in common with my brother. My brother joined track in primary three, and he seemed to enjoy it a lot. I have always enjoyed running and sports — a passion that was cultivated since we were young when my father made us run around the track to get breakfast — thus when the CCA selection rolled about, I made the decision to join track.

Primary school track was mostly just fun and games. We mostly just did fun relays and to me then, Track was simply just another activity to occupy my time. I wasn’t doing exceptionally, or too badly. Mostly, I was just average and I didn’t mind. Meanwhile, my brother was running well, getting himself medals and I was in awe of him. He joined a running club called Fabian William Coaching concepts later in the year and I noticed the huge boost in improvement that he had. That sparked my interest, but I did not bring it up to my mother, and just continued my running activities in school.

The next year rolled by, and my mother finally decided to enroll my sister and me in FWCC. I remember the first time I met Coach Fabian, I didn’t know who he was as I expected that the name Fabian Williams came from some deceased famous runner. We weren’t planning to train competitively, at first. My brother was the one in competition whereas the two of us were just here to stay fit and to have fun. P4 Track was not very eventful, and there weren’t any significant things to take note of.

Primary Five was the turning point of my goal. I was put into the middle distance group and started to train more intensively. I took track more seriously and because of the arduous training, my stamina increased by leaps and bounds and I started to win small competitions such as Club Zoom, where my 600m (which was my event at that time) managed to attain 2nd place. I was

very happy when I received that news as I knew that without FWCC, I would not have managed to get this far. Unfortunately, for the 600m trials for nationals, I was absent and was put in 300m instead. I was disappointed that I was two places from entering the finals, but I was also more determined to get a good placing in the next year's National finals.

However, COVID hit and school and training were canceled. I was extremely upset as after this, my stamina hit rock bottom and I felt very discouraged because I felt that I would not be able to get my prior fitness back. FWCC still sent out exercises and workouts for us to do to keep fit, and I felt thankful and grateful for that.

At the start of 2021, I managed to DSA into the St.Nicholas Track and Field team. I started training more vigorously and in the holidays, Coach Fabian enabled my sister and I to train at the gym with my other peers. Training there was exhausting and tiring, but Coach Fabian always made us laugh with the stories he told and jokes he cracked, as well as ensuring we were well hydrated and well rested at times. He made sure none of us were hurt in training and gave us exercises that we could do to relax our muscles. 2021 was also the year when my event shifted to 400m, and I had to get used to a new training regime, and new styles of workouts. With his guidance, I adjusted to it and started to slowly get better at my event.

Coach Fabian has helped me greatly throughout my running experience. He has been through my ups and downs, encouraged and comforted me, and I owe a large amount of whatever achievements I have obtained to him. As of now, in 2022, thanks to his guidance and help, I have managed to get 3rd in my 200m race and 6th in my 400m race during nationals. I have no doubts that he will help me to grow further as an athlete and that I can continue to improve consistently during this time.

I joined track so that I could have something in common with my brother. I wanted him to share something with me so that I could be accepted by him and by my peers. Coach Fabian has helped me realise that I do not need to seek approval to simply be me and that I can fully enjoy the sport and what I learn without having to ponder over what others think of me.

• 200m BRONZE MEDALIST - 2022 C Division Secondary School National School Games Track & Field Championships

• 400m 6TH PLACE - 2022 C Division Secondary School National School Games Track & Field Championships