Vanessa Lee Breaks National Record in Women’s 3,000m Steeplechase at Singapore Open Track and Field Championships

Vanessa Lee made history at the Singapore Open Track and Field Championships by not only breaking a national record but also conquering her personal demons in the women’s 3,000m steeplechase event. Running against herself as the sole competitor, Lee used a beeper in her smartwatch to track her progress at every 100m interval. The 26-year-old crossed the finish line in 11:09.16, shattering Cheryl Chan’s previous record.

Lee, who had taken a five-year break from the steeplechase event after a challenging experience at the 2018 Asean University Games, overcame her mental barriers to achieve this remarkable feat. Her journey back to the event was fueled by a friend’s encouragement and her own determination to prove herself once again.

Meanwhile, Marc Louis continued to impress in the men’s 100m final, solidifying his position as the fastest man in Singapore. With a winning time of 10.36sec, Louis showcased his speed and talent on the track. The 21-year-old sprinter, who set a national record of 10.27sec at the Asian Games, is now eyeing a spot at the Paris Olympics through the universality quota.

As Louis aims to meet the Olympic entry standard of 10sec in upcoming meets, he remains focused and determined to achieve his goal. With his sights set on making history as the first Asean man to break the 10-second barrier, Louis is ready to push himself to new heights in pursuit of his Olympic dream.

In the women’s 100m final, Elizabeth-Ann Tan emerged victorious with a season-best time of 11.99sec, showcasing the depth of talent in Singapore’s sprinting scene. With athletes like Lee and Louis leading the charge, Singapore’s track and field future looks bright as they continue to push boundaries and strive for excellence on the international stage.