AMONG THE MOST DISCIPLINED ATHLETES
While keenly remembered as an educator, she was also a celebrated athlete on the track, representing Singapore in the 10,000m in the 2011 SEA Games and the 5,000m in the 2015 edition.
Renuka’s former running coach, Steven Quek, said that she was not among the fastest runners when she joined Raffles Junior College in 2004, noting that she was once part of the Trim and Fit (TAF) programme in secondary school.
But her discipline led her to become among the best in the business, as she excelled at both keeping up with her academics and practising the right lifestyle habits.
“Renuka managed both aspects exceptionally well. Her consistency allowed her to train uninterrupted with the team,” said Mr Quek
This led her to finish among the top contenders at national events during her J2 year in 2005, and she was also selected to represent Singapore at an international meet in China.
After JC, she went to Australia for university in 2007, before she returned to Singapore and began her career in education at IJC, followed by EJC.
Attending Renuka’s wake, Mr Quek said that he spoke with her mother, who thanked him for instilling discipline in her during her time in JC.
“She then added that Renuka would often say, ‘Mr Quek says we must sleep by 10pm … Mr Quek says we must eat fruits’.
“While many students and parents who know me often said similar things, I was still surprised.”
Acquaintances who rubbed shoulders with Renuka at cross-country meets and national schools competitions said that she was among the most gracious competitors in the sport.
“Her humility shone through in small yet profound gestures: Offering encouragement before races, checking on competitors’ well-being mid-run, and celebrating others’ achievements as fervently as her own,” said Mr Joel Tay, a track and field coach at Cedar Girls Secondary School who interacted with her across different competitions.
“Her untimely passing has left a profound void in the athletic and academic communities she touched,” said the 65-year-old.
“She redefined what it means to be a student-athlete, prioritising human connection over accolades and reminding us all that the bonds forged through perseverance and respect outlast any race.”
Running coach Ghana Segaran, who had accompanied Renuka during the 2011 SEA Games in Palembang, Indonesia, said that she was a “humble and polite girl” who was always sharing about her experiences and training with younger athletes.
“All of us were shocked to see her go so soon, (it was) never expected,” said the 71-year-old athletics veteran.
