To hone their skills, Alayna Khalid and her national cycling teammates often have to head to Malaysia as there is a lack of training facilities in Singapore.
The long distances and travelling time required to get to places like Johor and Negeri Sembilan made it a rather unconducive arrangement for the 16-year-old, who is part of the national development team.
"It has to be a weekend trip, just because the drive up is too long, so it's really difficult especially if there is school on Monday," said the Secondary 4 student at Raffles Girls' School.
"It's not as conducive as if we have our own BMX track in Singapore... I don't have to spend so much energy travelling there, and I can also have more regular training throughout the week as well." With the expected completion of the Singapore Cycling Federation's (SCF) BMX Academy in Brickland, Choa Chu Kang, in 2025, Alayna and her teammates can look forward to more training time in Singapore soon.
This story is from the August 12, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 12, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Fans proud of Paralympians for effort and achievements
Chan Fui Lee was all cheers as an open-top bus carrying 10 Singapore Paralympians who competed in the Paris Games drove past the bustling Orchard Road shopping precinct.
REALLY NICE GESTURE: YIP
Two-gold heroine heartened by turnout of over 3,000 at bus parade for Paralympians
MORE ROOM FOR S'PORE TO BE KINDER SOCIETY
Paralympians grateful for support in sports but seek understanding, empathy in daily life
RED DEVILS FINALLY 'FIND A WAY TO WIN'
De Ligt, Rashford and Garnacho goals ease pressure on ten Hag after 2 straight losses
Trouncing, but Jaguars to carry on attacking
With \"nothing to lose\" against the Lion City Sailors in their Singapore Premier League clash on Sept 14, cellar dwellers Tanjong Pagar United threw bodies forward in search of goals.
SMILING STERLING 'HAS POINT TO PROVE'
Gunners boss Arteta sees drive in loan signing, who could make debut against Spurs
Alfred ends 'amazing' year with 100m win
Olympic champion Julien Alfred scorched to victory in the 100m at the Diamond League Finals in Brussels, Belgium, on Sept 13 as American Sha'Carri Richardson finished second-last.
LECLERC'S 4TH BAKU POLE
Ferrari driver tops qualifying 4 years running on one of favourite tracks but yet to win here
NO STOPPING RED-HOT PINHEIRO
Barely a week after his Malaysian six-timer, Brazilian jockey knocks in five wins at Kranji
US surge to record lead but Europe ready to fight
A United States team eager to end a seven-year Solheim Cup title drought enjoyed a dream start on the opening day on Sept 13 in Virginia, taking a 6-2 lead over Europe behind the sensational play of Nelly Korda, Megan Khang, Rose Zhang and others.
