Mr C. Kunalan, dubbed Singapore's fastest man with the national 100m record for over 30 years visited our school on the 14th of August. Mingling with the lower secondary students during their recess, the lighthearted former sportsman viewed the Sec 1s IPW projects. The students got a chance to explain their projects to him and many crowded around just to get a photo with him.
Later on, I got a chance to conduct an interview with him.
As a runner, what was your motivation that kept you going and trying?
“I just wanted to see how much stronger and faster I could become”. Mr Kunalan further explained that he started running in 1963 and in only 3 years already won in the Asian Games. This pushed him to go further and try to get more in running. Mr Kunalan went on to be Singapore’s Sportsman of the Year for 1968 and 1969.
Did all the publicity and media hype ever affect your career?
“I think after every competition I’ll look for two things. Number 1 was the 9 o’clock news. Number 2 was the next day’s newspapers.”Also, the school would announce his wins as he was a teacher at that time.
When competing, do you think winning is everything? Or are there more important values involved?
“At that time, we never heard of these Olympic motto and values. My thinking is, don’t do anything stupid. Because it will embarrass your friends, your colleagues, your family…” Of course, if he didn’t well, he would feel really sad for days even.
Talking about the Youth Olympics, are you afraid that young athletes might think of going for gold rather than upholding that true Olympic spirit?
“No. I hope they will go for gold but at the same time uphold that spirit.” He spoke about how even by not winning, every participant can uphold that spirit by being gracious and saying that they’ve tried their best, that many people have contributed to them being able to reach such a far stage. “If you start saying winning is not important, then nothing’s at stake.” Mr Kunalan then spoke on how in sports, we get tested many times. “When we pass many of these tests, you will be prepared for life.”
Is there anything you’ve learned through sports that can be applied in other aspects of life?
It is important to remember the Olympic values of Excellence, Respect and Friendship, Mr Kunalan expressed how it would then be easier to do things in life itself. And despite the troubles we may face, we can use our strengths to keep us strong. He himself would remind himself of his sporting achievements to get him through tough days. “Sports kept me strong.” But this need not be limited to sports only. Everyone can use their own strengths to keep them confident.
That being said, sometimes students who completely devote their time and effort to their CCA or sport neglect their studies. What do you think of this?
“That is why we have the Olympic Motto (Citius, Altius, Fortius; meaning Swifter, Higher, Stronger).”
He mentioned how everyone could have the 5 Olympic rings etched in their mindset, with the motto of 'Citius, Altius, Fortius' as the top 3. He suggested having 'Encouragement & Perseverance' as the other 2 rings' as a personal goal
Referring to the Olympian value of Excellence, he said, “Excellence includes studies. Especially in Singapore where without academic qualifications, it would be hard. ”
Over the years, how have your focuses, hopes or dreams changed?
“Some people have dreams. I never had dreams. I just wanted to do well.” Mr Kunalan recounted a proverb learnt in primary school – “If a thing is worth doing, it is a thing worth doing well.” He never knew that he would be a teacher, or even a sportsman. He simply did these and he did them well.
Lastly, do you have any advice for our students?
“Listen to the teacher or coach. And communicate with them. Then you would understand what they mean when they say things. That’s when you can use my proverb, ‘If a thing is worth doing, it is worth doing well.’ Otherwise, don’t do it.”
Brian Theng, 3E1
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