Story contributed by readers William Wong, Jeffry Ho and Michelle Tan
Mr. Lim is a former national record-holder for long jump (1954), a teacher and a national coach (1968-1985). Now retired from teaching and national-level coaching, he dedicates his time and passion to coaching school athletes. Now at the age of 79, he coaches CHIJ Katong Primary, Paya Lebar Methodist Primary, Yangzheng Primary, Paya Lebar Methodist Secondary, Jurong Secondary School and Serangoon Junior College.
His background as a former athlete and teacher forms the basis of his training philosophy, where the well-being of his athletes comes first. He treats his athletes as his “grandchildren”. It is therefore not surprising that he has close rapport and bonding with both his athletes and their parents. His calendar is filled not only with training sessions but also with lunches and dinners with athletes and their parents, both current and former.
The following is a special tribute of thanks written by his athletes from CHIJ Katong Primary:
“Mr. Lim started coaching CHIJ Katong Primary 7 years ago. In the last three years, the same group of girls from CHIJ Katong Primary has won the division championship for Division D (2005 and 2006) and Division C (2007).
At the recent 2008 National Inter-Primary Track and Field Championship Meet, CHIJ Katong Primary emerged as the B Girls Division Champions with 6 golds out of 10 events and 4 meet records in the 80m hurdles, 400m (second-place finish), 4x100m Relay and 4x400m Relay.
What is so amazing about this feat was that the 4x400m relay team comprised of four girls from multi-disciplines: sprints, hurdles, long jump and middle distance. All these girls were never subjected to training methods such as running the 400m regularly at training sessions and yet they broke the meet record by more than 5 seconds.
Jannah Wong started hurdles training this year and surprised the audience during the meet with a 3-step technique and achieved a personal best that broke the meet record. Mr. Lim believes that young athletes should train for speed and endurance through a variety of exercises and routines designed to allow them to develop gradually as they grow so they won’t get injured or burn out before they reach their full potential when they become young adults.
Special thanks to Mr. Lim Tiang Quee from B Girls of CHIJ Katong Primary.”
Related stories:
Track and field prospect Jannah Wong wins 80m hurdles gold
It is a very sad for all of us. Mr Lim found me as an athlete and he instilled important values in his unassuming ways. I will miss you Mr Lim. May you rest in peace and The Lord bless you.
Mr Lim was the best coach anyone could have, his workouts might have been crazy but it was for good. He was a fun and nice coach…. He had praises for everyone
I am still in katong primary track and field and I will never forget mr lim. He was a good man and an inspiring coach. Thank you mr lim for all you have done!
yes, mr. lim is a good and inspiring coach. i was in the track and field team of kcp from year 2000-2003. i still remember him as a fit and lovable coach (:
it’s also great to hear that kcp’s track and field team is shining! all thanks to the girls and mr.lim!
i agree with thiru, was under mr lim too during my 3 yrs in ngee ann poly. A fantastic coach who really made an impact in all his students’ hearts one way or another..Glad to see his efforts being recognised here =)
he’s a good coach.i was under him when he was @ ngee ann.his training methods differ from the norm,but i have no doubt as to the good results they produce as we can see frm the article.=)
What a sweet sweet sweet article. =)
Thanks for sharing the story, William. Congrats to the girls again and kudos to Mr Lim Tiang Quee for his dedicated coaching.
Les, thanks for publishing the article and the 4x400m Relay team members are(from left to right) Nicole, Magdalene, Shanti and Jannah.