Former Singapore Sports School Duo seeking to push personal boundaries at the 82nd Singapore Open Track and Field Championships
Singapore hurdler Kerstin Ong gets ready to push off from the starting blocks. PHOTO: JOHN YEONG, SPORTPLUS.SG
She made her Singapore Open debut in 2015, and hasn't missed a single edition ever since.
For seasoned campaigner Kerstin Ong, the 82nd Singapore Open Track and Field Championships presents itself as an opportunity for her to keep pushing her personal limits.
As excitement builds towards this weekend's track and field extravaganza at the Home of Athletics, the national hurdler recounts her favourite memory of the Singapore Open over the five years she has competed in the event.
The 82nd Singapore Open will be Singapore hurdler Kerstin Ong 's sixth Singapore Open. PHOTO: FELIX GALISTAN, SPORTPLUS.SG
"My most memorable Singapore Open would have to be the 2019 edition," Ong said. "I remember the crowd filling the stands - the support we had was amazing. We simply don't get that kind of crowd for most of our events so that has got to be the most special from all those years."
The 2019 Singapore Open Track and Field Championships was made all the more special for Ong because it was the first time she medalled in a personal event, winning a bronze in her pet event - the women's 100m hurdles, to add to the bronze medal she won in 2018 for the women's 4 x 100m relay.
The 25 year-old is looking forward to welcoming back international competitors onto the track come this weekend.
Ong shared: "To have international competitors this year is special because we haven't been able to travel since 2019. So I really look forward to competing with them again."
Her compatriot Tyeisha Rene Misson Khoo, also an alumni from Singapore Sports School, will be making her Singapore Open bow at this weekend's event for the Heptathlon.
On making her debut at the 82nd Singapore Open Khoo, 19, said: "I am really excited to be making my debut at the Singapore Open this year."
"I am super excited to meet new people and also try out these events."
Tyeisha Rene Misson Khoo fully focused on the 82nd Singapore Open. PHOTO: JOHN YEONG, SPORTPLUS.SG
Khoo will need to compete across seven events for the heptathlon discipline which comprise the javelin, shot put, high jump, long jump, 200m, 800m and 100m hurdles.
To do it within just two days is a challenge she relishes very much, as she is also looking to push her limits.
"I chose heptathlon because I feel it is a good challenge for me, since I did 400m hurldes before this," said Khoo.
Tyeisha Khoo exploding out of the starting blocks. PHOTO: JOHN YEONG, SPORTPLUS.SG
"I wanted to have a mixture of all the events, to have a taste of how it feels for each event as well. I did 400m hurdles before choosing heptathlon, as I felt it would be good exposure for my stamina and endurance. So heptathlon is definitely the next level and next challenge for me to push myself."
While she claims she is far from being good at all seven events, Khoo's pet events are the 100m hurdles and the long jump.
You can show your support for Kerstin Ong and Tyeisha Rene Misson Khoo this weekend at the 82nd Singapore Open.
The 82nd Singapore Open Track and Field Championships will take place from 16-17 April 2022 at the Home of Athletics, Stadium Boulevard, Singapore 397804.
The competition will be streamed live on Singapore Athletics' Facebook page, while specators are also allowed inside the venue to support and cheer on the athletes.
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