Jasmine started running in 2011 and found she had a real passion and talent for the sport.

JASMINE GOH loves to run marathons. It’s no surprise then that when the Southeast Asian Games were held in her home country of Singapore she became inspired to compete in the event in the future.

She qualified to compete at the Games this year in Kuala Lumpur and in this exclusive interview talks about her journey to qualification as well as some of her other running achievements.  

Jasmine after being placed in a 50km race.

When did you start running and when was it that you realised you had a real passion for the sport?

I started running in August 2011 as a birthday resolution to ‘self care and self love’. Losing weight was a priority and to keep myself focused on the end goal, I signed up for my first marathon which would take place in December 2011.

I didn’t only survive the marathon attempt, but the four months running journey made me realise that I could achieve anything if I focused. Subsequently, I ventured into ultra marathons and won a few races.

Jasmine pushes her body to the limits whenever she races.

What have been some of your running successes to date and where in the world has the sport taken you to compete?

I love to run ultra marathons. There is magic in the solitude of late night especially when you are all alone in the mountains. You are physically exhausted yet there is a deep sense of peace and connection with Mother Nature.

You can read more at www.f1runners.com/jasmine-goh-seagames2017.

Although competitive and keen to constantly improve as a runner, Jasmine also sees running as a way to connect with ‘Mother Nature’.

Who have been your biggest supporters and mentors along the day?

My family are my biggest supporters. Especially my kids, who love to sneak little cards of love and encouragement into my sports bag. Their words help to keep my spirits up whenever the training gets tough. My running club members are also very supportive. We are like one big family and I know, they are rooting for my success this SEA Games!

I have had several mentors along this journey. But the greatest mentor is my coach Lexxus Tan. He has taught me the importance of humility and teamwork, that one should stay grounded no matter what level of success one has achieved and that one should always be a team player and give back to society if possible.

In the near future, I hope that I can inspire more runners, especially ladies and young children, to aspire and dream big! I would love to be a part of a development programme targeted at kids to nurture their sporting interests and talents at an early age.

Jasmine looks joyous after winning another race.

When was it that you first realised you wanted to compete in the SEA Games and tell us your journey in gaining a place to compete there? How hard have you had to work?

When the 2015 SEA Games was held in Singapore, I had the opportunity to witness and support many local athletes. I also went to cheer for our local marathoners and was deeply inspired by all of them. During the SEA Games closing ceremony, I made a promise to be at the next SEA Games as a participant.

Jasmine pictured with her two daughters.

Due to family commitments, I could only start training for SEA Games qualification in January 2016. I started training with Lexxus Tan, a renowned coach in Singapore, to increase the chances of my SEA Games qualification. I was committed to my coach’s training programme and I increased my training intensity from just three times a week to daily. Hard work paid off when I finally qualified for SEA Games in August 2016.

Under my coach’s supervision, I continued to shave my marathon timings (marathon PB in Hongkong SCMHK).

Right now, I am training full time towards my SEA Games marathon dream. This opportunity is made possible by my beloved running club F1 and Mizuno CBD members, who had generously contributed to a fundraising project, started by my coach.

For the past one and half years, I have committed my life to train hard towards this SEA Games dream. I hope that I will have an opportunity to fly Singapore flag high and to bring glory to my country, my family and my supporters!

Jasmine gives the ‘thumbs-up’ as she competes in another race.

How hard you currently training and how do you fit training in with your day job?

I am currently training full-time under my coach.

What are your ambitions for the SEA Games and how do you intend to make sure you fulfil?

I am going to do my best for my country. Focus, focus and focus!

Jasmine’s daughters are two of her biggest supporters.

What’s next on your radar after the SEA Games in terms of other races and projects

To defend my SCSM (The Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon) title.