Stella's dash.

It all started when Captain. G dropped by the TMS classroom to look for helpers to help him with the planning of the Singapore Armed Forces Sports Association (SAFSA) track and field event. My colleagues and I helped with the selection and communication with the runners. Then Captain. G told me that he needed players to help gain participation points for RSAF. Initially I hesitated because I was unsure of what are the standards like at the SAFSA level. But nonetheless, I promised him that I'll take part in the 100m Women's open. Only. Why? Because it's my pet event for my secondary school sports day and I'm more confident in my sprinting abilities) I was signed up for the 4x100m (women's and mixed), without my prior consent. But I agreed anyway.

I feel excitement when running.

Today, I reported at the stadium shortly after breakfast. I had macadamia nuts, a berroca drink and a milo drink. That's all about it. My quads still felt overstretched at that point of time. I was in heat 2, lane 3 for the women's open 100m race. I qualified with 14.51q. I peeped at my results. I was 0.01 seconds faster than the first runner up. I finished the finals with 14.37 seconds. A 0.03 seconds of winning margin. I ran as fast as I could. And after the race, I received heartfelt congratulations from the spectators and the participants.

4x100m women's was an interesting one. My hunch tell me that we'd get to top three. After deciding with my colleague, we concluded that my start up was fast, plus I need fresh legs for the final 100m, thus I volunteered to be the first runner. We were good. And totally out of my own expectations.

4x100 mixed. The team consist of three men and one woman. And the only woman is required to run the last 100m. The gun went off. I assessed the situation awhile. I waited for my third runner. And when our third runner was coming over at me with the baton, I grabbed it, turn and just told myself to run my might. We were initially on the second last/ last placing. There were already runners ahead of me. But I dashed through, overtook, and we made it to the second. It's an exhilarating feeling. I've fought my way through to gain points, to test my limits and get out unharmed (Oh my quads. Phew!).

I was presented the Women's Open best performance trophy. The prize presenter whom said to me 'who else can it be?'. I smiled and take it as a form of recognition. In my secondary school days, I always wanted to get the individual female trophy. I brushed through the award a few times, so close, yet I didn't get it. But today, it's all in all a pleasant surprise.