SINGAPORE – With a hefty throw of 57.48m, Raffles Institution’s (RI) Anson Loh bettered the nationwide Under-15 boys’ discus file (1kg) at Singapore Athletics’ Under-16/U-18/U-20 Championships on April 3, eclipsing the earlier mark of 55.29m set by Dylon Lim in 2018.
But Anson, 14, was not carried out but.
Just 4 days later, he improved on his personal mark at the National School Games C Division competitors, throwing 58.88m to smash RI alumnus Jonathan Low’s meet file of 53.66m set in 2014.
The 1.77m teenager remained down to earth regardless of his feats.
“I felt slightly nervous and under some pressure. It was my last throw but I knew I could go further,” stated Anson, referring to his newest effort.
“I just kept in mind what my coach and father said to me, which was to do my best and believe in myself and that they would be proud of me regardless.”
Anson started his throwing journey in Primary 4, competing within the shot put. Even then, he was no stranger to breaking data.
In the Inter-Primary Schools Track and Field Championships shot put (2kg) in 2018, Anson matched the ten.15m file and set a brand new mark the next yr (12.97m).
Since becoming a member of RI, Anson has added each discus and javelin to his repertoire below the tutelage of coach Choo Chee Kiong.
Choo first met Anson by way of his older brother Aloysius, who can also be a thrower for the varsity. Before assembly Choo, Anson primarily educated below his father Amos, who was a college sprinter.
Choo stated: “He is committed to training and prepared to work hard. For his age, he is very strong. I have been looking at throwers since 1978. I would say he is among the top two I have come across.”
Anson’s latest feats have been attributed to a “gradual and steady improvement” below Choo, who believes his cost will attain higher heights. “I am confident Anson can go on to bigger things like the SEA Games if he remains committed,” he stated.
But the Sec 2 scholar will want to overcome some hurdles, together with the rise in discus weight. He competes with a 1kg discus, whereas the senior occasion makes use of a 2kg discus.
RI monitor and subject teacher-in-charge Vincent Quek stated: “The enhance within the weight of the implement is proportional to the expansion of the boys to males – from 1kg in C division, 1.5kg in B and A division, 1.75kg for youth to ultimately the boys’s 2kg.
“There would be some struggle initially with the change in weight but they should get used to the progression after a while.”
James Wong, who received 9 SEA Games golds in discus and one within the hammer over 20 years, was happy to hear of Anson’s achievements. “It’s always nice to read and hear young athletes breaking any records. It means we are improving,” stated the 53-year-old nationwide file holder for the discus (59.87m) and hammer ( 58.20m).
He added that Anson’s achievements are a testomony to his expertise and maturity however stated that to go additional, he would want assist.
“Bringing his expertise to the subsequent stage is not simple. He will want heaps of motivation and should need to proceed and problem himself to enhance.
“He will also need opportunities and support as well.”
Anson stated his latest file is only one milestone in his journey.
He stated: “I plan to qualify for the SEA Games someday. But, for now, I’m extra centered on short-term achievements of hitting sure distances.
“This way I can pace myself and not pressure myself. Now, I am focused on getting ready for my next competition in the C Division shot put and just trying my best in that.”
