In this interview, we talk to Shameer. Much has been said and mentioned about this promising young athlete. Already representing Singapore at such a tender age, we talk heart to heart about his love and passion for Track & Field

Coach: Mr Tang Ngai Kin

School: Temasek Poly / Yr2 / IT

Personal Best: 100m (10.60) , 200m (21.50)

1. How did you get started with Track & Field

   Shameer: I wasn’t really keen in Track & Field. Soccer was my choice of sport at that time although i do run for sports day in school. As i progress, i was playing for Home United Youth squad under 14. When the new system whereby if you are schooling in the east you got to play for a club that is in the east got into action, i decided to join Tampines Rovers youth squad under 16. Was playing well before a tackle during a match sidelined me. From first 11, i become a sub … i was very frustrated. Then opportunity knocked on my door. My sch sent me to run in national sch. i had no training watsoever. the amazing thing was that i qualify for e finals n guess wat!? i won the 100m ‘C’ Boys race with a time of 11.98. So from there SAAA approached me to train with them. After much reluctant, i agreed. Thats how the whole thing started

2. Other than track what else do you do?

   Shameer: Street soccer, playstation 2 and computer games, dancing

3. Per day, what is your daily routine like?

   Shameer: Morning, i will go for school. after my school ends, i will catch up with a few buddies before i head to training ground. Either i catch up with my buddies or i will go for massage at National Stadium (physio). Training will last for 2 quality hours. after which coach will drop me to my house. Before i sleep, i will study and play game for an hour each. Basically that’s how it’s like … kinda dull

4. Tell abit about your family, any support from them?

   Shameer: Besides my parents, i have a twin sisters aged 14. Well of course without a doubt, they have supported me well. Dad would be asking me about track everyday while my mom makes sure i get a good nutrition. the little kisses my sisters gave me followed by good luck “abang” (malay for brother) makes me more eager to win

5. On your free time, where do you hangout?

   Shameer: Well that depends really with who i hang out. Usually i hang out at Liat Towers Starbucks. Sometimes i slack at city hall and suntec city

6. I believe you won a merit in Sportsboy of the Year. Can u tell what was your feeling winning such a prestigious award

   Shameer: Ermm … to tell u the truth, i don’t have any feelings at all. i want to be the one winning the award and not being overshadowed by the rest. That’s why i am training harder than before

7. Ultimate long term goal?

   Shameer: An asian games medal irrespective of colour. To be running in Grand Prix, World championship and Olympics

8. Goal for this year?

   Shameer: This year is more of a building up rather than a productive one. so i don’t expect anything great to happen this year

9. How do you prepare before a race?

   Shameer: I treat it as another training session but i spend more time stretching and i put in more effort to focus

10. What are usually your race tactics?

    Shameer: Depends on the competition and the competitors. in local meets, i wont run 100% unless i have to clock certain timing to qualify for overseas meets. if you’re talking bout major international meet, then thats where i run all out without a doubt

11. During training, per week what is your routine like?

    Shameer: Monday – drills, Tuesday – weights, Wednesday – technique, Thursday – rest, Friday- speed

12. How many times u train per week, per day how many time & how many hours?

    Shameer: 4 times/week. 1 session/day. 2hrs/session

13. Any injury plaguing you before?

    Shameer: Hamstring strain and hairline fracture on the ankle. Nothing serious

14. Do you take care of your nutrition?

    Shameer: I think i am still too young to be specific on that. I go on a day by day basis … see how i feel on that particular day and then decide what to consume

15. Any advise for young athlete venturing into track/field?

    Shameer: If you want to make it big time, be prepared to sacrifice alot of things

16. Any last comments?

    Shameer: Thanks to those that make this interview possible

For someone so young, he’s level headed and excellent on track. Headed for bigger things in track