Second gold on the trot for runner Yuan Chow

SINGAPORE — The scorching heat in Thailand proved no obstacle for middle distance runner Lui Yuan Chow (picture) yesterday, as the 16-year-old bagged his second gold in the men’s 1,500m on the final day of competition at the 11th SEA Youth Athletics Championships at Thammasat University Sports Complex.

Yuan Chow clocked a time of 4min 13.38s to triumph over local favourite Cherdchai Phootako and team-mate Lerhan Muhammad, who finished second and third respectively in 4min 15.47s and 4min 15.92s.

Yesterday’s gold-medal win was the second on the trot for the Singaporean teenager — who won the men’s 3,000m on Saturday — as Team Singapore finished the two-day competition with a record-high of five gold and one bronze medal. Thrower Eric Yee had also set a new championship record in the men’s discus on Saturday with his gold medal-winning mark of 55.01m.

Yuan Chow, who lives in Melbourne, Australia, said it was a challenge adapting from Australia’s autumn weather to the heat and humidity. “I felt very nauseous on the first day after my race, which was expected as I flew in the night before from Australia,” said the Melbourne High School student, who will compete at the Asian Junior Athletics Championships in June.

“I tried my best to get under the shade as much as I could! I didn’t really feel the heat during the race as there were other things to focus on. Every race is an experience, but racing in a different country makes it extra special and I have really enjoyed this trip.”

Team manager Govindasamy Balasekaran was delighted with the 14-strong contingent’s performance at the Under-17 championships. “They did extremely well … they showed a lot of quality despite this being such a small contingent.” LOW LIN FHOONG