SINGAPORE: After runner Soh Rui Yong excitedly announced on Tuesday (June 24) that Singapore Athletics had nominated him to represent the city-state at the 2025 SEA Games for the 10,000m and marathon events, many were quick to congratulate him.
The 33rd Southeast Asian Games will be held in Thailand this year from Dec 9 to 20, in Bangkok and the provinces of Chonburi and Songkhla.
“The final selection decision will be made by the Singapore National Olympic Council, expected to be by the first week of September. I will then make a final decision on the events I will race thereafter.
“Thank you to Singapore Athletics for your support,” Soh wrote in a Facebook post, adding a screenshot of the email Singapore Athletics had sent him.
Singapore Athletics is the longstanding governing body for track and field in the city-state. Its purpose is to develop and promote Singapore’s talents for track and field and other related events, such as cross-country, marathon, and race walking.
The last time the SEA Games were held — in May 2023 in Cambodia — Singapore Athletics chose not to send any athletes for the marathon event. Soh had chosen to focus on shorter races in preparation for the competition and had suffered from a back and hip injury from July 2022 to January 2023, which prevented him from competing in a marathon during the qualifying window.
Read related: Soh Rui Yong back with Team Singapore but not competing in marathon event at SEA Games
However, Soh bagged the silver medal in the 10,000m final, setting a new national record of 31:10.70. But it was Soh’s behaviour during the race that caught the public’s attention. Indonesian runner Rikki Marthin Luther Simbolon, who eventually won the race with a time of 31:08.85, did not grab a bottle properly at the final water station of the race, but dropped it, not bothering to break his stride.
Soh, who was on his heels, successfully reached for a cup and poured some water over his head. But seconds later, he passed the cup to Simbolon, who was then able to take a drink.
“Sporting, absolutely sporting,” the commentator can be heard praising Soh in the clip below. “You cannot make that up. You cannot fake it either.”
Many have congratulated Soh on this new development.
“Jiayou. Help Singapore get some medals!!! Do what you do best!” wrote one supporter.
“Congratulations. Proven results and no (one) can deny you the right to be selected and deny our country the best chance of bringing home a medal. Sincere congratulations. Do us proud,” chimed in another.
“All the best to your final call-up. Hope SNOC decided on you. We need a SEA games marathon gold medal again!” a third wished him. /TISG