What CPF Means to a 70‑plus Champion
My old coach always stuck the phrase “CPF” in front of my eyes: Commitment, Perseverance, Focus. He wasn’t just tossing a catchy acronym into the air – it was the secret sauce that taught me how to keep running, jumping, and smashing my own limits, even after the clocks started ticking.
2019 Asia Masters Athletics Championships – The Big Arena
In July 2019, the bustling city of Kuching in Sarawak welcomed a special squad of athletes aged 70 and older. And guess who took the spotlight? Me.
- Gold in High Jump – Momma, you won’t believe how high I cleared. It felt like I was finally at a genuine summit.
- Silver in Long Jump – My feet still had that same spring, and the crowd? They gave me a cheer that could rival a rock concert.
Thinking back, it wasn’t just the medals that thrilled me—it was the raw adrenaline that surged through every muscle when I saw my rivals lag behind. That grinding feeling of triumph turning up a notch had me shouting, “I told you nothing changes, you just grow bolder!”
Why It Still Matters After 70
Throwing a stone across centuries, I couldn’t help but laugh at the idea that my seasoned pair of shoes could defy expectations. The concept of CPF reminds me that age is just a number, while what you commit to, how you persevere, and how sharply you focus are the real game‑changers.
So if life ever gives you half‑ages, remember this: commit to the workout, persevere through the pain, stay focused, and watch yourself leap—literally and figuratively—over any obstacle.
From Sprinting Streets to Sky‑High Jumps
Daily Grind on the Kallang Track
I’ve been lacing up my shoes and hitting the Kallang Practice Track every single day, turning sweat into altitude.
Breaking the 0.85m Mark
Just yesterday, I cleared a solid 0.85 m in high‑jump. It’s close enough to that 0.92 m I landed at the 2013 International Gold Masters in Japan, which feels like the stamp of approval I’ve earned over the years.
Why Competitions Matter
Every meet gives me a chance to sharpen the skills I’ve honed and celebrate the progress I’ve made. It’s the testing ground for everything I’ve done so far.
From Sprinters to Jumps
Back in 2004, I shifted gears from back‑streets sprinting to athletic jumps—a move that kept me on my toes and ready for new challenges.
Memories of Fox‑Paw on Singapore’s Track
Looking back at the days I represented Singapore in track and field reminds me of the fire that burns for sports inside me.
My Students: The Big Why Behind 58 Years of Teaching
- Their bright smiles and eager cheers push me forward.
- Each lesson is a chance to pass on the love of movement.
- Seeing a child take their first step in the gym arena is pure joy.
That’s the heart of my life—pushing boundaries, inspiring future athletes, and sharing the thrill of the game.
Mrs Barnabas: Singapore’s Unstoppable Sprint Lady
Early Beginnings and Persisting Passion
- Started sprinting in secondary school—who knew the track would become her playground?
- Kid‑napped a gold medal in 1973 at the SEAP Games for the 200m.
- Government‑wheels? No. She chased her dreams on the concrete of Marine Parade and still does.
Jaw‑Dropping Achievements
1973: Gold in the 200m at the SEAP Games—cheers from booths, adrenaline through veins.
Team triumph: Gold in the 4x100m relay, timing 3:43.85—later broken 42 years on in 2015.
How She Keeps the Flame Alive
Although retired, she’s still signing up for relief & adjunct teaching roles—always ready to mentor the next generation.
What She Wants for Singapore
Encourage youngsters to chase careers in sports—no age limit when it comes to staying fit.
Legend in the Making
She’s the unofficial “fastest runner” in Singapore—spoiler: she earned that title!
Beyond the Track
She’s a running coach, a motivator, and a role model—you’d think a sprinter would be all sprinting, but Mrs Barnabas has already taught us how to run on the outside of a classroom too.
First published in Her World Online.
