Try GOLD - Free
Louis Aims For SEA Games Double
The Straits Times
|August 12, 2025
His 20.89sec in 200m betters national mark and motivates him to 'bring back medals'
The stars finally aligned for sprinter Marc Louis in Sano, Japan, on Aug 11 when he shattered the 200m mark to complete his collection of national short sprint records.
Breaking Reuben Lee's 21.07sec mark was a target set by his coach Benber Yu at the start of 2025. Eight months later, he is Singapore's fastest man in the 60m, 100m and 200m events.
At the 2nd Sano Sprint meet, Louis beat five Japanese athletes with his 20.89sec effort, with Sho Kitagawa (21.01) and Jun Yamashita (21.27) finishing second and third respectively.
His time not only eclipsed Lee's previous record set in 2022 but also went under the 21.02sec qualifying mark for the 2025 SEA Games.
"I have been trying to chase this record and it feels good to have done it," said Louis, who turned 23 on Aug 7.
"I felt very happy because there was good execution in the race. I am grateful to be in this position."
Yu, who has worked with Louis for over a decade, could not contain his happiness when he spoke to The Straits Times post-race.
This story is from the August 12, 2025 edition of The Straits Times.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Straits Times
The Straits Times
Students lead effort to save birds from crashing into iconic NTU building
Birds would fly straight into the glass facade thinking the windows are part of landscape
4 mins
November 03, 2025
The Straits Times
'What we promise, we deliver': Sunway founder on building a legacy of trust
Tycoon seeks to make conglomerate a major gateway from S'pore to Malaysia
4 mins
November 03, 2025
The Straits Times
Why renewables are difficult to talk about at UN climate summits
When the 2035 climate targets of countries are scrutinised at the upcoming United Nations climate change conference COP30 in Brazil, the spotlight will be on whether the nations have done enough to meet a collective goal to ramp up clean energy adoption.
4 mins
November 03, 2025
The Straits Times
Benz Hui's family to donate all condolence money to charity
All the condolence money for veteran Hong Kong actor Benz Hui will be donated to the Children’s Cancer Foundation, his family said in an obituary released on Oct 31.
1 mins
November 03, 2025
The Straits Times
Dear Evan Hansen still moves with its message of feeling included
The title's second outing in Singapore features a larger cast and set, and has maintained the relatability and heart of the story
2 mins
November 03, 2025
The Straits Times
From Vanuatu to Yishun: The plant giving S’pore fall colours all year
As the weather cools in the Northern Hemisphere, fall foliage is sure to draw the eye. But even in tropical Singapore, the colours of autumn can be enjoyed year round - in Gardens by the Bay and along the country’s streetscapes, from Yishun to Bukit Panjang.
5 mins
November 03, 2025
The Straits Times
Nearly half of Cat A COEs go to EVs in first 9 months of 2025
EVs make up 43% of new car registrations, up from 33.8% in 2024 and 18.2% in 2023
2 mins
November 03, 2025
The Straits Times
Youth who faced family tragedy among 12 inaugural President's Challenge fellows
Growing up in a troubled family, Ms Shirlene Ng was 13 when she witnessed her mother take her own life. Her mental health took a hit.
3 mins
November 03, 2025
The Straits Times
An uneven muddle of themes and genres
A deeper dive into the intergenerational female trauma of Congratulations, Get Rich! would make for a — pun intended — richer story
2 mins
November 03, 2025
The Straits Times
Backyard cafes in JB village give owners hope of lease extension
Locals bank on increased economic activity boosting their case, preserving area’s heritage
5 mins
November 03, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size