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Posted by Sha
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Filed under Interviews, Spotlight
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The women 400m hurdles has stood for the past 26 years, and it was finally broken by Singapore Sports School student T. Piriyah at Pahang Open back in May.
Not only the 17-year-old surpassed the old mark of 62.8 seconds set by Noshidah Ali, but she re-wrote her own record in another meet a month later.
Piriyah finally set a new record timing of 61.69 seconds at the Asian Junior Athletics Championships held in Hanoi, Vietnam. Her old mark was 62.74 seconds.
Full Name: T. Piriyah
Height: 175cm
D.O.B: 10th June 1992
Event(s) PBs:
- 400m: 57.11s
- 400m H: 61.69s
Past / Present School: Singapore Sports School, Auckland Universtiy of Technology
Coach: Viatcheslav Vasillev
When the 400m women hurdles record tumbled, was it expected and was it part of your training/race plan for the season?
To me it came as a surprise but my coach had faith, and knew I could break it.
Share with us the record breaking run.
The first one was at Pahang Open and I was a bit nervous but I just ran, keeping my mind clear. This time round I had the confidence that I would break the record, and I did. I was extremely happy afterwards.
The second one at Hanoi, I wasn’t scared or anything. I just ran my own race, trying my best to run as fast as possible. I was pleasantly surprised that I broke it again.
How did you get started in running?
It was during my primary school sports day, when I was running for my house. The track coach saw me run and asked me to join the track team.
When and how did you come about specializing in the 400m hurdles? Is this your pet event, or do you have other preference?
I was doing 400m before my coach came and he thought I should try out the 400m hurdles. It has become my pet event now.
Share with us what you do on a weekly basis.
I train six days a week, Monday to Saturday
On Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday we would do track stuff, and on Tuesday and Thursday we would do gym.
File photo of Piriyah circa 2007.But what we do on these days is really up to my coach, as we would only know on that day itself regarding the specific workout.
Do you take care of your food intake?
I do have a nutritionist in my school and I would see her to advise me what I should eat. For my supplements, I get it from GNC.
What’s your training like?
I train at the Singapore Sports School, with my fellow SSP alumni and current crop of student athletes such as are Dipna Lim, Goh Wei Ning and other juniors.
What do you think you’re missing out, the need to juggling with studies, training and racing? Or the sports itself is your own self-gratification.
I guess its mainly personal sacrifices such not going out with my friends, who are not from Sports School; rather I would be train hard everyday.
What are your plans for this season.
My next competitions would be SEA juniors (26-27 October) and Malaysia Open (30-31 October). I also plan to do well at the upcoming Singapore Open (18-19 September).
Your long-term goals and objectives?
I’ll be aiming for next year spot at the SEA Games.
Goals and expectations for the next SEA Games 2011 in Indonesia?
To try and achieve at least a Top 3 placing.
