Marc Brian Louis

Singapore Athletics talks to Marc Brian Louis, one of two athletics recipient for 2020 The Sports Excellence Scholarship Programme.

The 18-year-old sprinter and hurdler has been blazing the trail at local and regional youth competitions. One of our top junior sprinters, Marc clocked an impressive 10.92 seconds (-1.6m/s) last season.

Currently studying at ITE College Central, Marc struck gold in the 400m hurdles event (55.09s) at Asian Youth Athletics Championship (Hong Kong), and clinched a bronze medal in the 110m hurdles event (0.914m, 13.74s, -0.2m/s) while clocking a new National U18 record.

PROFILE

Name

• : Marc Brian Louis

Date of Birth: 2002

Personal Best(s): 100m 10.92s, 110mh 13.74s (0.991m), 400mh 56.04s (0.914m), 400mh 55.09s (0.838m)

Weight: 65kg

Height: 175cm

Event(s): 110mh, 400mh, 100m

Coach: Benber Dayao Yu

Education: Sembawang Primary School, Anderson Secondary School

Current School: ITE Central College

Social media: @m4rc_br14n_louis_

INTERVIEW

Q1) How did you get your start in Athletics?

• I started athletics as a CCA when I was in Primary 3. It gradually grew to become a serious passion of mine when I was in Secondary 3.

Q2) How will The Sports Excellence Scholarship Programme help in your athletics journey?

It has always been a struggle for me trying to meet the costs of training like transport to my training venue, as well as needs for supplements to help me recover from training and stay healthy. The support will come in handy.

Q3) How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your life and training?

Training before COVID-19 was mostly done on the track. However, during this period of pandemic, I get to focus on areas that I usually don’t. This pandemic helped me further hone my skills and strength.

Q4) What are your short- and long-term goal(s) in athletics?

• My short-term goal is to qualify for the finals at the World Junior 110m hurdles event. The long-term goal is to qualify for the finals at the Asian Games 110m hurdles event.

Q5) Who are your role models?

Usain Bolt and Omar Mcleod

Q6) Can you share how your coach has impacted your life and athletics journey?

I am very thankful to have Benber Dayao Yu as my coach. He helps me to train well and keeps on motivating me to improve both my personal character and training discipline. He sacrifices his time to train me in the morning and afternoon sessions and he is always there to guide me and correct my mistakes.

Q7) What’s the highlight of your achievements so far?

• It has to be the Asian Youth Athletics Championship, where I won the 400m hurdles event in 55.06 seconds for Singapore’s first gold medal.

Marc a success at Asian Youth level.

I also managed a bronze medal in the 110m hurdles event, coming in at 13.74s, which was also Singapore’s new National Under-18 boys record.

Q8) What are your thoughts on the mental aspect of athletics?

The mind helps athletes achieve a focused, confident and trusting mindset to help them compete at their highest level. You have to always believe in yourself.

Q9) What do you do as part of your recovery and to ensure you are in optimal condition for training and competition?

To me, sleep is very important. I need to sleep as much as I can to achieve my recovery. Stretching and rolling help too.

Q10) Do you have any other passion aside from Athletics?

• Before I started competitive sprinting, I like to swim and play football.

Q11) What do you want to do as a profession in future?

Besides becoming a full-time athlete, I have yet to think about it.

Q12) How have your parents and Singapore Athletics supported in your athletics journey?

My dad and mom have always supported me since I was a kid. My dad is an ever-present at all my competitions. Much thanks too to Singapore Athletics for giving me the opportunities to compete overseas.

Q13) What’s the most challenging period of your athletic career and how did you overcome it??

• I was kicked out of sports at the end of Secondary 1 and I ended up giving up track for almost a year. That is until coach Benber pulled me up and made me believe that I could be someone who can achieve anything. My coach is one of the reasons why I could achieve all my goals.

Q14) Any advice to other young budding athletes?

Always believe in yourself. Never doubt yourself. If people say you can’t make it, prove them wrong. Always stay motivated and never give up.