I’ve always been active in sports since young. I enjoy playing a variety of sports but running is one of the sports that I enjoy the most.

My running journey started in secondary school when I represented my school in the National Schools Cross Country.

It was, however, only in my final year of studies at polytechnic that I joined the Track & Field CCA and ran my first track race.

From then on, I grew to love the sport even more and decided to resume training after my ORD in 2021.

The very same week I got the news that I was selected to represent Singapore at the 32nd SEA Games, I started to feel discomfort in my right knee.

The knee pain wasn’t new to me but I knew that it was worse than before.

I went for physiotherapy, sports massage and tried to find many ways to cope with the pain.

However, the discomfort still lingered. I even lowered my training load for a week or two in the hope of allowing my knee to recover.

Thereafter, I tried KT Tape and it happened to be the only thing that allowed me to train without much discomfort.

For that, I’m thankful to God.

“Whether God gives or takes, He is still sovereign and good.”

Initially, I struggled to try to comprehend why the knee pain came at such a time.

Thankfully, there were brothers-in-Christ from my church and also Athletes in Action (AIA) who pointed me back to Christ during that period.

They reminded me that Christ is my greatest reward and my true satisfaction can only be found in Him.

I was also reminded of a reflection that I penned down after one of my recent competitions.

In it, I wrote, “Whether God gives or takes, He is still sovereign and good.”

As such, I also prepared myself mentally for the worst. That is, not getting to race at the SEA Games.

I thank God for giving me peace as I grappled with this possibility. I know that no matter what happens, Christ is the solid rock that I can stand on.

One of the songs that I held close to during this whole period is My Worth Is Not In What I Own by Keith and Kristin Getty. There’s a part that goes like this:

“My worth is not in skill or name
In win or lose, in pride or shame
But in the blood of Christ that flowed
At the cross”

This song reminded me that my worth and identity are solely found in what Christ has done for me on the Cross. God is the sole provider of everything I have, and in all situations, God is sovereign and good. 

Even though I came in last in my race at the SEA Games and did not make it to the final, I was pretty satisfied with how I ran the race.

The fact that I was able to toe the line without KT tape and race without discomfort is a testament to God’s graciousness and goodness.

Running a personal best was an added bonus. I also thank God for giving me peace in spite of the many last-minute changes in the scheduling.

As an athlete, there are definitely times when I feel disappointed and sad due to a bad race or an injury. In these moments, I remember what a privilege I have to be able to turn to God in prayer.

As Christians, we have a great high priest in Jesus (Hebrews 4:14). As such, we can boldly approach the throne of grace in times of need (Hebrews 4:16).

I find it comforting to know that I have a God who listens to every prayer I said and knows exactly how I’m feeling.

When I experience a bad race, I am reminded that God is in full control of my result and I am not defined by it.

Because of what Christ has done on the cross, I have been reconciled to God. My identity is now a child of God, a sinner made righteous, no longer condemned, and adopted into God’s family forever.

His love for me is steadfast and unconditional, win or lose. Nothing can separate me from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39). This is the Gospel that comforts me.

With this in mind, I am able to simply enjoy running and sports as a gift from God.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

God’s “good” may not be my worldly perception of “good”. But I know He is working and that He knows what is best for me to grow in Christlikeness.

Therefore, I can continue to prioritise Him and trust in Him wherever the journey takes me, moving forward.