Singaporean sprinter Marc Louis’ skill wasn’t immediately apparent when Benber Yu started coaching him more than ten years ago. Louis wasn’t popular in races at first. But Louis had an incredible commitment to working hard to achieve his goals.
He started off concentrating on hurdles and showed promise, which led to a remarkable accomplishment: winning the gold medal for Singapore in the 400-metre hurdles at the 2019 Asian Youth Championships. This triumph represented a critical turning point in his developing track career.
Sprinter Louis gained attention in the world of athletics by breaking the long-standing national record in the 100m and winning two silver and three bronze medals in the SEA Games.
Now, at 21, he is ready to make his Olympic debut at the Paris Games, which will be held from July 26 to August 11.
Louis is among the 23 athletes who will represent Singapore in 11 sports in Paris. His place was confirmed by World Athletics through a universality spot accepted by the Singapore National Olympic Council on July 11.
Singapore’s Olympic dreams are secured by teamwork
Yu, 43, underlined that getting Louis his Olympic ticket was a real team effort.
His accomplishment was greatly aided by Team Cicada, which consisted of his own family, teammates, and other parents. Yu said, “He’s had to work hard to prove to other people that he can do it.”
Yu stated; “The fact that Marc is now competing in the Olympics is the result of a team effort; this means a lot to me, Marc, and everyone who supported him.”
Singapore may be able to enter its top-ranked male athlete in the 100m, 800m or marathon events under the universality quota, thanks to sprint star Shanti Pereira’s qualification for the women’s 200m event in Paris 2024.
By giving opportunities to nations with historically smaller delegations based on athletes’ performances between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024, if no direct qualifications have been acquired, this unique provision seeks to increase diversity in the Games.