Singaporean pioneer female athlete who ran against all odds

One of the stars of this year's National Day (NPD) parade is a pioneering female athlete that few Singaporeans would have heard of. Mary Klass, 83, won a silver medal at the Asian Games, competed in the Olympics and was considered the fastest woman in Malaysia.

Klass's achievements in the 1950s were rare, and female athletes were even rarer – she had to clean up before she could train.

His late father also disapproved of his athletic efforts. "I guess in his mind, he has to think: of all things, she plays sports," said the fifth of seven children with a smile. "(But) I was very serious … very determined."

The former sprinter is one of the topics of a 10-minute film that will be screened at this year's NDP, telling the real stories of five Singaporeans who overcame adversity . It is directed by the famous director Boo Junfeng, who is also the artistic director of the 2018 NDP.

Referring to his father's opposition that Klass faced to become an athlete, Boo told reporters at the Press Release of the 2018 NDP (July 3), "These are stories that are still going on today with someone who has ambitions but who may be facing obstacles." C & # 39; is really in these experiences that I draw my inspiration. "

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S Addressing Journalists At The Same Briefing, Klass, Who Started Running At Age 17-year-old, remembered training twice a day from Monday to Friday and being "pushed" by people, did not think she would make the cut as Klass geared up for the sprint final From the 100m at the Asian Games in 1954, she heard the Japanese coach say, "This event between Japan and Singapore," but a Singaporean compatriot rejected her chances of winning.Finally, Klass won a medal of 39. ; ar Gent, after playing with his Japanese opponent for the best time.

After retiring in 1957, Klass married Sandy De Souza – the "boy next door" who watched her train. became a housewife.

Now a mother of four and a grandmother of four, Klass says she's inspired by her late mother, who was suffering from tuberculosis. "She has suffered from 17 years with a lung.It is a very, very strong person.When looking at her, that she can persevere with her illness and never let her illness prevail on her." , that gave me all the confidence in what I wanted to do. "

Asked how it was to be part of the parade, Klass said," I feel good. (That's) so wonderful that people still remember me. "

Klass envied the current generation of athletes in Singapore who have access to more resources than in his youth and whose parents can afford to support them." His advice to athletes today. hui: "Never lose heart If you have to lose, you lose … but always be a good sportsman."

She also keeps very vivid memories of going to the old national stadium from Kallang after it opened in 1973. "I said in an interview that stadium, it made me feel so good.If only I could go back, I would go into this stadium. "

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