Semarang, Indonesia – For a moment, the world seemed to fade away. After months of training, it had boiled down to this final jump.
Kampton Kam collected himself, ran through the steps in his head and visualised himself clearing the bar.
“Before every jump, I try to find a way to center myself and focus only on what’s in front of me. By concentrating on my steps, I am able to enter my special zone,” said the Victoria Junior College student.
With a jump of 2.10m, Kampton matched his performance at last year’s ASG to secure the gold medal at this year’s boys’ high jump final.
Coming in second and third place were Thailand’s Chaimongkol Songpa and Vietnam’s Nguyen Quoc Quyen who hit the mark of 2.03m and 1.90m respectively.
Kampton Kam clearing the 2.10m mark at the boys’ high jump final to secure gold.
Although this was a commendable performance, especially given the back injury that he was carrying, Kampton admitted that he was aiming to break the championship record of 2.13m, as well as his personal best of 2.15m coming into this year’s competition.
“It feels bittersweet. I would have loved to end my final ASG experience with a record, but I hope that I was able to inspire my fellow teammates,” said the third-time ASG participant and captain of the Athletics team.
When asked about how ASG has impacted him, the 18-year-old shared: “When I took part in the 9th ASG in Singapore, it was really an eye-opening experience for me as it was also the first time I was competing on a regional level.”
“Since then, I have been looking forward to participating in ASG every year. It is also where I have made many friends not just from Singapore but also from our neighbouring countries.”
Kampton Kam with his parents at the 11th ASG in Semarang, Indonesia.
Kampton’s parents who were in Semarang to support their son said: “We could not be more proud of Kampton as we know that he has put in his best effort, as with everything he does.”
Kampton hopes to qualify for the SEA Games in December.
Extra training paid off
For Elizabeth-Ann Tan, her gold medal at the girls’ 100m hurdles final on 19th July was unexpected as it was not her main event.
Clocking in at 14.25 seconds, she also set a new ASG record as well as the Under-18 National Record, pending ratification by Singapore Athletics.
Sixteen-year-old Elizabeth competing in the girls’ 100m hurdle final.
“It just felt so amazing. I didn’t expect it at all as my main event is actually the 100m race. But I’m glad that the extra training I had put into hurdles has paid off,” said the Nanyang Girls’ High School student.
For the fourth-time ASG participant, ASG is a yearly highlight for her.
“I love coming for ASG and I definitely want to come back next year. The Singapore contingent is super friendly, and it’s so fun to be with them. I have also made many international friends through ASG, and we keep in touch via social media,” she added.
Elizabeth is coached by her father, who had taken part in track and field during his secondary school days.
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