Cross-country champs extend NSG winning run

Pulling well clear of her closest challenger on a wet and rainy morning, Clara Chua of Nanyang Junior College stamped her dominance in the National School Games' (NSG) cross-country event by winning the A Division girls' individual race at OCBC Square on May 14.

- Samuel Tan

It marked her third straight victory at the NSG after achieving similar feats in 2024 and 2023, the latter when she was with St Margaret's School (Secondary).

"I'm really happy that I managed to complete my goal of (becoming) a three-time champion," said Clara, 18, who crossed the finish line in 13min 51.595sec—the 36-second margin to second-placed Anisah Omar Alkhatib of Victoria Junior College highlighting her dominance.

It more than made up for the disappointment of having to wait for a day to compete. The finals were initially scheduled on May 13, but had to be postponed by 24 hours due to inclement weather.

"It (the postponement) was very disappointing because all my preparation was for that day," said Clara.

Even in the early hours of May 14, a light shower caused all races to be delayed by half an hour and threatened to dampen the mood.