By Timothy Ngo (22S06O), Boys’ Captain, Jovyn Lim (22S06U), Girls’ Captain, Zachary Tan (22S06Q), Boys’ Vice-Captain and Kaley Lim (22S03L), Girls’ Vice-Captain

Beyond the irreversible singlet and high-sock tan lines, track and field is home to contagious laughter and fond memories. As a team, we train, bleed, cry and compete together. Some of us may describe the CCA as more of a social club—we aren’t lying—but that’s precisely what makes us a family beyond our individual events.

People typically associate Track with gruelling training sessions and loud JBL music. While these are undeniably the norm, the most unique aspect of our team will always be our teammates, and how we go through all the highs and lows together. Everyone has a special place in this 30-odd-member large family, be it as a sprinter, jumper, thrower or pole vaulter.

Let’s start with the jumpers. If you’ve ever walked through the track and seen an odd-looking metal pyramid extending from a single-laned red runway, congrats, you’ve just stumbled upon RI’s miniature Sentosa. Underneath that metal sheath and the many frogs that we share the space with lies our very own Siloso Beach—aka long jump sand pit! The  jumpers very regularly go home all sandy after a good day’s beach workout, and it takes a thorough shower to get all that sand off. Just some perks of being in this section… What else do we do? Apart from long jump, there’s also the high and the triple—there’s something for everyone. Over the years we’ve been labelled as the most ruckus-like section and our energies are almost as explosive as our legs! You’re bound to love the atmosphere here every day.

The jumpers. (Photo credit: Raffles Photographic Society) *Picture taken in accordance with SMMs during the prior phase of Covid-19 measures

Now the sprinters, a team of ten who are always aiming for the best and to improve their timings. We work hard and run fast. At the track, it is common to see us exploding out of the blocks and zooming past. It is common to see us tongues out, mouths open, gasping for air as we do our endurance workouts. It is also common to see us on the floor contorting our bodies into peculiar positions just to train different muscle groups. Our bonded team also does core workouts and stretches together after every training session while jamming to quality music. We know how to work hard and play hard, so don’t be surprised if you ever see us stacked up on one another on the grass field—just be sure to give us cordial and amiable sprinters a hi!

The sprinters. (Photo credit: Raffles Photographic Society) *Picture taken in accordance with SMMs during the prior phase of Covid-19 measures

Then there’s the throwers. They’re the scariest, biggest guys on the track, but in reality, theirs are the calmest and quietest events. A bonded team of the buffest guys around, they throw javelins taller than themselves, shot-put balls the size of their faces, and discuses larger than their hands. The throwers are incredibly powerful and speedy—people not to be messed with! You will frequently see them in the gym squatting beyond 200kg and benching over 150kg with ease. They’re super talented and a really fun group of people to be with. Do remember to watch out while on the field though, you wouldn’t want to be impaled by a javelin or get concussed by a discus!

The throwers. (Photo credit: Raffles Photographic Society) *Picture taken in accordance with SMMs during the prior phase of Covid-19 measures

We’re definitely not forgetting the pole vaulters. Leap high, fly high! Pole vaulters are extraordinary people who reach for the skies. This small yet talented group of people train diligently and are always giving their best! Their highly technical event ain’t as easy as it looks: the importance of every single muscle when it comes to pole vault just can’t be stressed through words. It’s only when one picks up a pole, realises how heavy it is, and attempts a vault, does one realise the difficulty and challenge that make this event so complex. This unique event section with a bunch of amazing people amplifies our friendly track culture! The sky’s the only limit in pole vault.

The pole vaulters. (Photo credit: Raffles Photographic Society) *Picture taken in accordance with SMMs during the prior phase of Covid-19 measures

All in all, track is a diverse family built on strong culture and beliefs. The motto is simple: hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard. Don’t expect an easy time in this CCA, but here’s a guarantee: the best, most beautiful memories of your school life. Yes, this is where they’ll be forged. Sure, the podiums and medals are cool, but in the end, it is the close-knit friendships and bonds that stick with us trackers long after we’ve hung up our spikes. Join us and be part of this unforgettable family. Stay focused, stay on track.

*Cover image taken in accordance with SMMs during the prior phase of Covid-19 measures