Calvin Quek Breaks 56‑Year Drought in 400m Hurdles
Record‑Breaking Performance at My Dinh National Stadium
On a sunny September afternoon, the 26‑year‑old hurdler Calvin Quek ran past the finish line in 51.19 seconds, setting a brand‑new national record for Singapore in the men’s 400m hurdles. He took the silver medal, trailing the sprint‑sprinting winner Eric Cray of the Philippines (50.41 s) and the Vietnamese hero Quach Cong Lich (50.82 s). The podium finish left the crowd buzzing and the Singaporean flag seemed to jump for joy.
Historical Context
Before Calvin’s triumph, the silver medal had been a relic from 1969 when A. Sadayyapan snagged bronze in Rangoon (now Yangon). That meant Singapore had gone over half a century without a medal in the event at the SEA Games – a drought that will now be remembered as “the 56‑year drought” before a breaking of myth.
Why Calvin Had to Fight for a Spot
- Despite his stellar performance, he had to convince the selectors that he deserved a ticket to the SEA Games.
- Once the judges saw his time, they could not deny his place in the roster.
- Now, with a national record in his pocket, he’ll be prepping to take on the best from Southeast Asia.
Other SEA Games Highlights
In a splash of gold, Joseph Schooling has just claimed victory in the men’s 100m butterfly, adding a sparkling new chapter to Singapore’s medal tally.
This article, initially drafted by the Straits Times, celebrates a victory that feels like a victory for everyone who loves sports.
