Back on Track: My Masters Sprinting Journey

High School Days: Where It All Began

I still remember my high school days vividly. Back then, I was a multi-event athlete, bouncing between the 200m, the 4x100 relay, high jump, long jump, and even seasonal basketball leagues. Youth has a gift: explosiveness, elasticity, and speed. My mind still remembers that feeling, the rush of acceleration and that euphoric moment when you hit top speed.

But here’s the catch. My body today isn’t the same as it was back then. Trying to replicate that youthful explosiveness with an unconditioned body is like asking an old engine to run at full throttle.

The Struggle Back

When I finally decided to return to training, I was determined to get back into shape. But I pushed too hard, too soon. Between playing too much basketball and piling on training volume, my knees gave out. Suddenly, I was sidelined again, forced to take an entire year off in 2024.

That year was frustrating beyond words. I felt stuck, heavier than ever, and far from the athlete I used to be.

Reset and Rebuild

At that point, I knew something had to change. I weighed 94 kg, far from my natural weight of 80 kg during my active days. So I started managing my weight. Two days of fasting, just water and coffee, became my reset button. From there, I eased into isometrics, slowly rebuilding strength.

It wasn’t glamorous. It was slow, but it was progress. Over time, I began to feel the pain fading away, and that alone felt like a win. I was delighted the first time I could do mini pogos without discomfort, and even climbing the stairs felt easier. Those little things, which I used to take for granted, suddenly became milestones.

I realized how often I had ignored these everyday movements in the past, and now I was thankful just to be able to move freely again. On the track, though, it was clear there was a reduction in explosiveness and speed compared to my youth. Still, it was enough to remind me that the fire was still there, waiting to be nurtured.

Consistency Returns

By the last quarter of 2025, I finally found consistency. Training became a rhythm, and for the first time in years, it was pain-free. I wasn’t chasing raw speed anymore. Instead, I focused on building durability and preventing injuries.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that longevity matters more than quick wins. The small victories - pain-free strides, steady progress, the joy of simply moving - became the foundation for everything else.

Road to Masters Competition

Now, here I am, preparing for a master’s track and field competition in June 2026 at the Singapore Masters Track and Field Championship. The men’s 100m and 200m are calling my name, and every training session feels like a step closer to that starting line.

I don’t know if I’ll land on the podium, but that’s not the only measure of success anymore. For me, every stride is a victory - a triumph over inertia, frustration, and doubt. Just being able to line up again, after years of setbacks, feels like proof that persistence pays off.