Pitas lass wins 3,000m race while little 553 wins crowd’s hearts
SANDAKAN: The crowd was cheering for “553! 553!” at the Sandakan Sports Complex here during the 3,000 metres race women’s final.
The number 553 was the jersey number worn by the youngest and smallest runner in the finals, 10year-old Melsheira Jumid from Tenom.
Her petite and skinny figure, which made her stand out among her nine other competitors, grabbed the attention of the crowd who cheered for her as she finished her race.
Melsheira was the last to finish, but it didn’t break her spirit as she said the SAGA Games this time was only a training ground for her.
“I do not feel defeated. I feel like I have become better and more experienced after each race. After all, I am the youngest here,” she said.
It was Melshiera’s first 3,000m race, but it was not the first competition that she has run.
The Tenom lass said she loves running and her parents have always supported her. Her favourite race is the 10-kilometre run.
Melshiera is participating in three categories in the SAGA Games this time, which are the 3,000m race, 800m race and 1500m race which will be held today (Tuesday).
In the 3,000m race, Marlin Hing William, 18, from Pitas emerged the champion with a 13 minutes and 25.11 seconds time record, followed by Elyza Lai Nyuk Len of Kota Marudu who finished in 14 minutes and 23.13 seconds and Noradila Sapiri from Ranau in third place with 14 minutes and 30.98 seconds record.
Marlin’s coach, Mario Ocado Pajarillo, said he had expected great results from Marlin all along, but he also saw great strength in the other contestants and did not fully expect Marlin to win.
“Seeing her (Marlin) strength now, I am sure she could excel in SUKMA next year,” he said.