A SA publication www.SingaporeAthletics.org.sg

Name: Lance Tan Wei Sheng

Height: 1.78m

Weight: 71kg

Date of Birth: 14 May 1987 (28yrs)

Personal Best(s): 4761 points (Decathlon Men, 2015 Open)

Career Highlight(s):

South East bronze medalist 4x400m 2011

ASEAN University Games bronze medalist 4x100m 2010

Singapore National Games champion 400m 2012

Vietnam Open bronze medalist 400m 2009

National Schools champion 400m 2005

Represented at World Junior Championships 2006

Represented Singapore at 2004

4x100m National Junior Record Holder

Below is an extract of the interview

Q) What are your hopes, dream and target this SEA Games?

I am thrilled and extremely excited to be participating at our home SEA Games. I do believe I will be able to hit my personal bests and put up a good fight!

Q) How’s your preparation for the SEA Games?

Preparations have been okay but not great due to injuries and work commitments. Nonetheless, I will still give it 100% at trainings.

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A SA publication www.SingaporeAthletics.org.sg

Q) What are some of the biggest challenges in your sports career so far leading to SEA Games and your athletics career?

I tore my left knee anterior cruciate ligament back in 2007 and underwent reconstruction surgery. Then, the doctors told me to give up competitive running- to quit. But how could I? Athletics is my passion, and I still wanted to achieve so many things.

I guess that was the hardest road back, but 9 months after the surgery, I came back stronger, clocking my then personal bests in the 400m and 200m.

Q) How did you specialise in your particular event? Why this event, what’s the attraction?

I used to specialize in the 400m. I love the 400m because it is a fast sprint, yet long enough for strategy and tactics to be played out. This SEA Games however, I will be participating in the decathlon. People have asked why I switched events- I told them that I just added 9 more. I love athletics, so why not try them all!

Q) Who is your coach, tell us more about him/her. Also a mention of your previous coaches.

Coach legend Mr Patrick "Santa Claus" Zhender started me off when I was 13. I switched schools when I was 15 and was coached by Mr Tan Chong Kiat.

Mr Melvin Tan Kim Boon took over when I entered Junior College and then, University. Mr Melvin Tan is still my mentor today, and while I plan my own track workouts for the decathlon, I do take a leaf out of his book from the years of trainings I've had under his guidance.

Currently, Mr Tan Yong Sheng and Mr Ng Kiat Mun trains and advises me on the decathlon and pole vault respectively. Being new to this discipline, I do seek the help of fellow athletes for tips as well!

Q) Do you take care of your nutrition and diet? Your opinion on supplements and food.

In general, I don't watch my food intake strictly, but I do avoid taking fried or oily food. I'll recommend multivitamins as a daily diet as it will keep the body healthy and immunity up.

Q) Aside from athletics, what else interest you? You could say the other part of your life beyond athletics.

I like baseball and cycling as well. Outside of sports and work, I like photography and spending quality time with loved ones.

Q) How do you fit in your training/competing with your family and studies/work?

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A SA publication www.SingaporeAthletics.org.sg

I guess it is just a lifestyle. Compartmentalize your tasks and just get it done.

Q) Share with the readers, some aspects of your training regime.

The best part of training for the decathlon is that there will be something different to do at each training. Most sessions, however, will incorporate speed work/ hurdles, followed by throws/ strength and finally speed endurance.

Q) What are your long term athletics goals?

I do hope I'll be able to continue learning about the sport and perhaps venture into coaching someday.

Q) What advice do you have for young aspiring athletes?

Have faith, and trust your trainings.

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