Note:
If you are keen and have queries, please contact Coach Rameshon at 9100 4369 or you can email him at m.rameshon@gmail.com or swift.rameshon@gmail.com. Please refer to website http://flexifitness.com.sg (for more information on him and his programmes)
By M.Rameshon
Bsc (Hons) Degree in Physical Education, Loughborough University (1992-1994)
Masters in Education (University of Western Australia, 2005-2008)
Picture 1 - Sonia O' Sullivan - The Olympic Silver Medalist (Sydney 2000) and the World Champion (1995)(1998).
I became a fan of Sonia when I saw her running in the World Championships 1993. That was the year I did 2hrs 28min in Berlin. I was fascinated by both Ismail kirui's and Sonia's performance. Her brilliant running career is very spectacular. I will present the part 2 interview first and in another article, I will do the prequel of doing the part 1 story on her illustrious running career and achievements. Hence, let me start this article by interviewing her.
Sonia O' Sullivan
Can you share with us your PB 800m, 1500m, 3000m such if any, 5000m, half-marathon and marathon?
They are as follows:
Picture 2 - Sonia O'Sullivan, in action during a race.
1500m - 3min58sec
3000m - 8min 21sec
5km - 14min 41sec
half - marathon - 67min 17sec
Marathon - 2hrs 29min 01sec
When did you take up athletics seriously?
It was when I was in secondary school. I ran many cross-country races earlier on. Gradually, I trained more and overtime I got serious over races, especially when I started winning races.
How many Olympics medals have you won?
I have 1 silver medal from 5000m Sydney 2000.
Which are the events that had to take part in and you have won a gold medal in the World Track and Field Championships? Can you also tell us the year as well?
In 1995, I have a Gold medal for 5000m. In 1998, I have 2 Gold medals for cross country, long & Short race.
Can you describe a race or races which you put in all your heart, mind and soul to run to your best? In other words, you are describing your toughest race that you have encountered?
I think the marathon is the hardest race to run. It is so unpredictable and you never know how you will feel later in the race. It is also very difficult to run so far on the hard road surface when you are used to training on the grass in parks and forests.
Can you share with us about your diet whenever you train and compete seriously?
Picture 3 - A slim and trim Sonia O'Sullivan
I try to eat healthy all the time, lots of fruit, vegetable, fish and lean meat. I think if you can eat a little bit of a large variety of foods then you should have a nutritious diet to help re-fuel during hard training. I also drink lots of water and electrolyte drinks when training in warm weather.
In your opinion, at what age should one start to take up running, and train, if they want to go for the Olympics?
I think once you are in High school and enjoy running then you should set your goals high and aim to compete at the Olympics.
Singapore is a hot country. Can your share with us on how you would advise on training in a hot and humid climate?
It is not easy to train in warm humid conditions but like everything else, if you can acclimatise your body gradually then you can get used to training in all conditions. It is probably most important to be re-hydrated before during and after training and not just water but also replacing salts and sugars lost while training. Electrolyte drinks are very popular and a good idea to dilute them as they can often be too sweet and sip throughout the day.
Is it beneficial to train in a hot and humid climate or in cool weather for endurance training?
It depends on the conditions you will be racing in. If the race is in a hot country then it is a good idea to prepare your body for what to expect. It is always easier to train in cool conditions after spending time in hot & humid conditions.
Are you still competing?
If yes, can you tell us which event are you training for?
I like to train to keep fit and run in local races for my club and fun runs that are not too difficult to travel to.
What is your advice to people at the age who want to take up running for fitness?
Begin slowly alternating walking and jogging, gradually building up to the distance and time you have available to train each day. It is a good idea for everyone to set aside some time each day to exercise.
Picture 4 - Sonia with a group of interested runners.
What is your next goal in life?
I am happy to stay fit and encourage my children to lead a fit and healthy lifestyle.
Note:
By Narayanan
Rameshon has taught in Hwa Chong Institution, plus several schools, and Republic Polytechnic as well. He has won many accolades and he was awarded Merit Award for 1991 marathon performance in breaking the national record of Singapore, at that time. He has made 22 male athletes do a marathon in sub-3hrs. He has made 7 female runners do sub-4 hours for the marathon, as well. He was inducted to the ‘Roll of Honour’ by the then College of Physical Education, organised by Singapore Olympic Academy, in 1998, for breaking the National record repeatedly 4 times, till he did 2hr 24min 22sec).
He also has a Coaching group and he trains them on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7pm at Botanic Gardens. Those interested can call him at 91004369 for coaching assistance, to improve performance. There is also personal training that he does for many in a week. You can e-mail him at swift.rameshon@gmail.com.
