Carrying the Torch

‘A simple flame passed hand to hand


Not by the fastest or the strongest,


But by people whose greatest gift is what they give of themselves


Because, it’s not just what you do for the record books,


It's what you do for others.’

This weekend onwards, about 2,400 people will run in the Youth Olympic Games Torch Relay. I will be running next week, as part of my National Sports Association’s (NSA) commitment to this inaugural event. Over 70 percent of tickets have been sold.

This evening, I collected my running kit from the SYOG headquarters. I will be handing my fellow volunteer the torch after 100 metres later. We are expected to run at a controlled pace of 7km/h – a mild jogging pace. The runners from 7-13 August in Singapore will comprise celebrities, entrepreneurs, athletes, students, ex-Olympians and Special Olympics athletes. The Olympic flame will arrive from Seoul, Korea on 5 August and make its way throughout Singapore.

Who do you carry the torch for? Who and when will you pass the baton on?

My tri-buddy, Roger Chow reported: Just got back from a night photography session at the Coliseum. It’s so much easier then an Ironman race. The folks at Regensberg have completed their race. Congrats to all - Craig for his double-Ironman in 8 days: JP and Caroline for their remarkable finish! Time for R&R!

ATHLETE RANK AGE/DIV SWIM BIKE RUN TOTAL

1. Slattery, Craig 1291/1105/1467 41/ 01:19:07 05:49:53 06:29:51 14:00:09

2. Mervyn, Lee 1446/1472/1479 37/ 01:22:31 06:25:43 05:58:31 14:06:35

3. Shum, Caroline 1780/1733/1607 39/ 01:44:11 07:09:39 06:14:48 15:35:06


Good job, fellow Eastern Night Riders/Triathlon Family!

John Cooke, of Perth tested himself with Painathon again this year, albeit while recovering from flu. He managed a highly commendable achievement. Well done, mate!