Jacky Ong - Track & Field, Athletics

We’re excited to meet track and field athletics coach, Jacky Ong. In this interview he shares with us what drives him to excellence. We will learn about his journey and the insights he has gained along the way. His dedication and hard work serve as inspiration for many, and we hope to share his story with our readers.

Profile

Sport: Athletics, Track and field
Name: Jacky Ong
IG Handle: @jacky.ongyj
FB Handle: Jacky Ong

1. When did you discover that this was your passion and that you were going to pursue it as far as you could?
When I was 13 years old I started doing leisure runs with my mum with the then New Balance running team. I got attracted to running and ever since then I never stop!

2. Who inspire you?
My then coach Lexxus Tan, whom treat me like his own son fetching me from school straight to training ground. He made me realise the beauty of the sport and how it challenges me not just as an athlete but as a person.

3. Have you participated in any major competition or events?
I’ve participated in competitions with my team in Hong Kong, Australia and many more locations!

4. In your opinion, what was your best performance?
Not my best performance, but The Great Relay 100km , Hong Kong edition is one of the most memorable races I did with my team/club.

5. What’s your routine like when training for a competition?
Two speed/specific workouts, two easy, shakeout runs, one long run a week. Of course I have to be disciplined in my food intake as part of the training program too.

6. Do you maintain a special diet?
No specific diet but definitely everything in moderation!! I love 4Fingers, they are my go-to fast food.

7. When not training for a competition, what’s a typical week like?
Easier long runs, so as to build a strong endurance base. I also do cross training by swimming, cycling or even roller blading! I mostly do it with my athletes, and the friendly distance community!

8. Do you see yourself as an inspirational role model for aspiring athletes?
I hope I am!

9. Where is your favourite training spots?
I usually train at the Kallang Practice Track, the “Home of Athletics" training ground. For longer runs i usually head down to MacRitchie Reservoir to do some trail running.

10. If there are readers who would like to get started in your sport, what advice do you have?
Show up!

11. Have you always been fit and fab?
I started running when I was 13 years old back then I was just a skinny boy.

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Jacky for sharing his inspiring story with us. His dedication and experience as an athletic coach truly shines through and it is clear that he is committed to helping athletes reach their full potential. His passion for coaching is evident and it is this kind of drive and determination that will undoubtedly lead to success for the athletes he works with. Jacky's story serves as a reminder that with hard work, perseverance and a positive attitude, anything is possible. We are grateful for his contributions and look forward to seeing the progress and success of the athletes under his guidance.