I started running competitively during my polytechnic days. Joining the long-distance team as an 800m runner, I found that my coach focused on imparting values without compromising on performance. 

I also had a senior who, though having graduated 10 years ago, kept coming back to help our team. I didn’t understand why she would spend her precious time attending every training session to assist us in different areas. 

Over time, I learnt that my coach and seniors were Christians and that their actions were being driven by their faith in Christ. I also noticed this unexplainable joy within them, and I began to be intrigued by Christianity.

If You are real, show Yourself to me

Some time later, I was invited to join Athletes in Action’s Ultimate Training Camp.

I was still on the fence about Christianity. I felt there wasn’t enough evidence of God’s presence in my life, so I was unsure whether to accept Christ. However, I just decided to give the camp a shot. 

For the first four days of the camp, being a non-believer, I struggled to see how faith and sports could be put together.

But on the last day of the camp, I went through an intense 20-hour sports marathon – nearly a full day’s worth of sports and challenges that reveal who you truly are and who or what you rely on. It ends with a powerful moment where you reflect on what Christ has done on the cross for us.

It was during this sports marathon that I challenged God to reveal Himself to me. I told God that if He was real, He had to show Himself to me.

During the marathon, there was a station where we had to take turns doing push-ups in our teams. For some context, I’m not great at push-ups – my limit was around 20 push-ups. 

Miraculously, at that station, I was able to do way more than 20 push-ups. Somehow, I had the strength to just keep going and I completed 80 push-ups. I realised that God had shown Himself to me, and I acknowledged Him. 

Looking back, this was only possible through God’s strength. As a runner, endurance was something that came naturally to me, so I might not have believed if God showed Himself through running.

He used my weakness – push-ups – to show me that He was real (2 Corinthians 12:9). 

Furthermore, two years later, when I went into National Service, I was barely able to do 20 push-ups! The fact that I was able to do 80 during the camp showed me that God could actually work in my life. 

After Ultimate Training Camp, I began to grow in my newfound faith in Jesus Christ. I joined Athletes in Action to serve in our sports camps and also led a group in the 2020 edition of Ultimate Training Camp.

Congenital heart disease

Unfortunately, in 2020, something unexpected occurred. During a slow run, I had massive difficulties in breathing and my chest hurt. I had to be sent to A&E for observation.

Strangely, the doctors could not pinpoint any particular issue and I was cleared. Naturally, I went back to training and became even fitter than before.

But in 2021, the pain came back and I had to undergo a CT scan. The report revealed I actually had a congenital heart issue; my coronary artery was narrowed because it grew at the wrong location.

I was devastated on multiple fronts. The only way that I could go on without having to take medication for life was to undergo an open heart surgery.

Thankfully, I had the peace of God and the support of my family while going for the surgery, and it turned out to be a success!

Within six months of recovery, I was already training and performing even better than before.

Given that congenital heart diseases are present at birth, it surely was a miracle that I could endure all those tough trainings back then!

I firmly believe that none of these could have been achieved without God.

Finish the race

In 2023, I told God that if I were to go back to competitive running, there had to be more than just working towards participating in the major games. 

As I prayed, I was convicted that running was my mission field. Running was the platform that God had given me to influence others and share the Gospel.

I was planted in a training group filled with highly competitive sprinters (whose goals are to compete at the major games and deal with a different set of challenges), and we are being coached by another God-fearing coach.

Not only did I have another bout of running breakthroughs, God led me to support and reach out to these competitive sprinters, who largely deal with demanding expectations because of the level that they are at. 

Beyond my own training and pursuits, God also opened doors for me to serve others. I had the opportunity to train my colleagues and brothers-in-Christ for their IPPT, using running as a way to build both discipline and community.

Additionally, I was appointed Camp Commandant for the 2023 Ultimate Training Camp. God also gave me the privilege of conducting a running clinic overseas, further expanding my reach beyond my immediate circle.

There is always a purpose and reason for where you have been placed by God.

Keeping the good faith

For me, there has been one key takeaway from Ultimate Training Camp – pain has a purpose. It hasn’t been the easiest journey, but I know that my pain can be used as a testimony to encourage those going through similar struggles.

A verse that stood out to me was 2 Corinthians 1:3-7. Because of the comfort that Christ has given to me, I can comfort those around me in affliction.

Throughout my journey, many people have gone the extra mile for me. I now try to do the same for others by befriending them and supporting them in prayer.

Athletes in Action has also given me a platform for deeper discipleship, where my fellow athletes and I can support each other in prayer and sharing. 

I would like to especially honour my coaches, the Athletes in Christ sports ministry, Athletes in Action Singapore (especially Jia Xian and Ivin), the Sports Ministry Group, as well as my former and current churches, Alive Community Church and Redemption Hill Church. 

To all Christian athletes out there, you’re not alone. I would like to encourage you with the first principle I learnt – we play for the audience of One. He does not judge our value based on our result.

Always keep your focus on Christ. We will face pressures from others and expectations will be there, but remember to enjoy your sport and worship God through it. 

I’d also like to challenge you to ask God and pray about what more you can do through your platform. God can use you for His greater purpose.

At 31 years old, I have not slowed down or experienced a dip in my sports performance. It is by God’s grace that I am running even better than before, and I will run this race as long as God allows me to.