AYG 800m runner Zachary Devaraj: “I hope to do a personal best under 2 minutes.”

By Colin Tung/Red Sports

Middle-distance runner Zachary Ryan Devaraj earned himself a ticket to the upcoming Asian Youth Games after beating older opponents in races this year.

Zachary will be representing Singapore in the 800m and the 1500m at the Asian Youth Games.

Zachary, who turns 15 only on October 7, is a Secondary 3 student at Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) and has already established a name for himself within the athletics fraternity.

He won the 1500m at the national schools championship three years in a row and the 800m in the last two years, finishing second in the shorter distance in Secondary 1.

Zachary is proving to be unbeatable in the local arena and is shaping up to be an athlete unfazed by older, bigger opposition as his victories in Secondary 1 and this year in Secondary 3 prove.

However, he wasn’t expecting to even go to the AYG.

“I didn’t expect it because I didn’t meet the qualifying mark (1:58). I woke up in the morning [one day] and my parents told me I was in the AYG squad. I went ‘huh?’ but I was quite happy since it is such a major competition,” he said. “I had thought I was going to go into off-season training but that news meant I had to ‘whack’ again!”

He is realistic though of what he can achieve at the AYG.

“I hope to get into the final but I am quite scared as I do not really know the standard in the rest of Asia. I also hope to do a personal best (which stands at 2:01.6) and in the process going under 2 minutes.”

His proudest achievement so far is winning the C Division 1500m race in Secondary 1.

“It trumps my other wins in Secondary Two and Secondary Three as it was the most unexpected and so, I derive the most pride from that win.”

Zachary went for a track-and-field team selection trial in Primary 4 at Fairfield Methodist Primary and was selected for the 400m and the 800m.

“In Primary 6, I stepped up to the 1500m as the 400m became more of a sprint to me,” said Zachary. “Longer distance is more suitable for me as I have more stamina. I also like it better as such races require more tactical maneouvering.”

His parents have played a big part in his running with their support, encouraging him to develop both intellectually and physically.

“Unlike other parents, they do not only ask me to focus on my studies but they also allow me to pursue my running interest. They also display their support for me by consistently going down to watch my races and also making things convenient for me by driving me to and from training.”

Zachary’s father told him about Sebastian Coe and the legendary British runner provides him with inspiration.

“I like his running style, which heavily relies on a strong finishing kick. He also has an ability to perform under pressure as illustrated by his duels with Steve Ovett in his time.”

Going all out and testing his limits gives him pleasure. “Everytime I get a PB (personal best), it’s quite satisfying,” said Zachary.

His passion for running has Zachary thinking of a SEA Games medal one day.

“I’ll run until I lose the passion but I don’t think it’s likely to happen anytime soon. I’ll try to win the SEA Games one day perhaps? The Olympics may be too high a bar to look at for now but I’ll try for the SEA Games, probably in 2013 when it’s slated to be held in Singapore. But even then, it’s really unclear as I will be 19 and serving National Service.”

His coach Loh Chan Pew thinks he is one for the future.

“He will be our first boy under 1:50 min (for the 800m) in a long time. Just give me three years,” said coach Loh.

Zachary has the same issue most of Singapore’s AYG athletes will have – relative anonymity outside of their immediate circle.

“I don’t think the public knows who I am but it would be nice if I get some support such as claps or cheers when I run my races or when my name is called out. I have read about how athletes perform better when they are in a favourable home environment so I hope that translates for me as well,” Said Zachary.

So if you see a lithe runner powering down the straights in the 800m and the 1500m races, remember to shout out the name “Zachary”. You might just help him run a second faster and get that PB.