16-year-old Scott Ang has a fire in his belly to do the best in everything he does. That is why he is able to excel not just in triathlon, but also in his studies. (Picture: Scott Ang)
He may only be 16 years old, but Scott Ang has already built up an impressive track record in the triathlon fraternity. The young triathlete has raced in places as far off as Gold Coast and Incheon. Back home, he is a regular at the annual OSIM Singapore International Triathlon. Without a doubt, Scott has the upcoming August 14 – 26 Youth Olympic Games firmly set in his sights. But first, he would have to qualify by doing well in the upcoming OSIM Triathlon.
As with an increasing number of student athletes out there, Scott is a prime example of someone who can perform in school as well as in the arena. He was the Singapore Sports School’s top student at the Secondary Four mid-year examinations and the top student from the school at the O’ levels. Despite his hectic schedule, the ever-so-friendly Scott agreed to squeeze out some time for an email interview with The Play Times. These were the 10 questions we asked.
Q. How old were you when you ran your first race?
I was 10 years old. It was my first race in a triathlon and I came in 6th overall in my age category. So I was very encouraged. The next year and following that, I continued racing in every Osim Triathlon. I also took part in swimming competitions, aquathlons, duathlons, cross-country runs and so on, as they are all components of triathlon.
Q. How did you take up triathlon in the first place?
My Mum signed me up for the Osim Triathlon when she saw the poster for the race.
I was already a competitive swimmer since primary one, I used to cycle around my estate regularly, and running seemed easy enough.
Q. What's your daily schedule like?
I was from the Singapore Sports School for four years. So everything was rather convenient with school and training all under one roof. At first, going into the school as a swimmer, I swam at least 10 sessions per week, two hours each time. This includes a couple of gym sessions each week. Eventually I cut down some of the swim sessions to do some running and cycling with the Triathlon Academy in the Sports School after I decided to focus more on triathlon as my main sport.
Right now, I am studying in Anglo Chinese School (Independent) and training not as much as I would like to, because school hours are longer and filled with so many activities that end late. Sometimes it is my own doing because I enjoy some activities too much and they take up my training time. ACS (I) is also quite a distance away from my training location, which is still at the Sports School. Balancing sports and studies have become more difficult. However, ACS (I) has been rather supportive to allow me some time off school to do my training.
Q. When I'm not training or studying...
I do what every other teenager will do - read, listen to music, go on the computer, and watch TV.
I also like outdoor adventure, photography, fishing, going to the movies and meeting up with friends.
Q. So what are your plans for the future?
I try not to plan too far as plans often change. I prefer to take one step at a time and select my choices appropriately when I have to. That said, I always try my best so that I will be spoilt for choices. My present plan is to be selected for the YOG this August. Later, I will aim for the SEA Games, then the Asian Games and then I’ll see what else follows.
I had an opportunity to race in the Asian Championships in Korea, as well as in the World Championships in Gold Coast, Australia last year. I also attended a couple of ITU camps and stayed overseas a few weeks with international junior elite athletes. So I now have a more realistic understanding of how good a triathlete can be and how committed you have to be, in order to excel.
Q. In your opinion, what does an aspiring young athlete like yourself need to possess?
Firstly, you must have a love for your sport. That way you will look forward to training and tough training is endurable.
Secondly, a strong determination is needed to do what is necessary to succeed. This would include training consistently well and learning the skills and techniques of your sport.
Q. Besides triathlon, what other sports do you take part in?
I have done sailing, canoeing, ice skating, windsurfing and competitive karate when I was younger. My mum encouraged my involvement in all these activities as she felt that they were able to equip me with handy life skills and keep me busy. I believe everything that I have learned have somehow shaped me and made me a versatile and confident sportsman. But for now, I have chosen to concentrate on triathlon. That alone keeps me real busy.
Q. Do you have a sports idol?
Michael Phelps would be a favourite. I look up to him because he was fearless in declaring his mission to win eight gold Medals in the previous Olympics even with the odds stacked against him. And even though he failed in his first attempt, he never gave up and he did it eventually in the last Olympics in Beijing 2008.
On a personal level, I also admire my former roommate at the Sports School, Clement Lim, who broke three swim records at the National Age Group Championships this year, for temporarily putting aside his studies to pursue his dream.
Q. What was your most memorable race?
There was a cycling race last year, where, before the race even started, two of my teammates crashed into each other during warm up and were injured; and another had a punctured tyre which only got fixed at the last moment; and I also crashed badly during the race itself. After such a disastrous morning, our team of four still miraculously managed to emerge champions.
Q. If you could change something in your life…
I like my life, and I can’t think of any part of it I would want to change. But if it were something I wish I could do better, it would be my running. I wish I could run as fast as Mok Ying Ren, our national triathlete. Actually, he held a running clinic once last year, but I could not make it due to some other commitments, so I hope I can learn from him when I have the opportunity.
By Dennis Saw