So on the way to the start line, these huge waves hit me and Hongda's T2, flooding the boat with water.

But our event was next. And I made the call to carry on despite this fact.

I made a bad call.

I should have went to the beach to drain water and make the starter wait for us.

But would he wait?

Apparantly, yes, we had a nice starter today, and he would have.

I'm sorry, Sebas, it was my fault. We couldn't execute the pull with the additional weight in the boat.




Mixed feelings when we docked back to the pontoon.

Inside I know it was my fault for not making the call to drain water. But I also doubted his fighting spirit.

Nevertheless, I stroked Redwing, and told her that we will redeem ourselves.


I went early the next time to the start line. Everything was made perfect. I saw our competitors, a couple of first timers, the godly uni rowers in their last years. Talked to Jason abit. Asked him if he thought the NUS rower was fast. He gave an ambigous reply. "Respect to all opponents", he told me before we departed to our lanes.

We smiled back and forth, giving each other the thumbs up. We had everything and anything in common. Having trained, whether for the past few months, or for many many years, for this one race. Only the top 3 out of the 5 would make it to the finals tomorrow. We were the best of friends for those brief minutes, yet bitter rivals.

The call to start.

"Ready!"

All was calm, I had run this race both physically and in my head hundreds of times.

I looked at Redwing, and she smiled back at me.

The loud airhorn sounded as we charged to that one single line 500 metres away.

The start burst was good, yes, I could feel it.

Looking to the left side, Jason(NTU) and Choon Meng(NUS) seemed to be pulling away, Jason with his godly speed again. Even Jiaming(Ngee Ann) was slowly pulling away from me.

The water was choppy, direction was off! I was heading to the wrong lane! Swept to my right, and Redwind was on course again. I felt this race was going to be like the previous one. Will I come in 4th again?

"See you in the finals."
I remembered my promise to Jag. And I felt my focus return. Pull long hard, don't give a damn about the other boats, this is our glide!

Then I felt myself pull away from Ngee Ann and uttered a soft "sorry." to him.

I charged forward to catch up with Choon Meng. He was trying to keep up with Jason. Last 100 metres! Start ending charge!

I sped up my cyclic speed again, but quickly lost power. Screaming in my head I attempted to start up again.

"Up the damn speed!"

And we surged forward. I caught up the distace somewhat. But the focus I lost earlier had widened the gap too much.

Still came in behind Choon meng and Jason.


So, I'll see them in the finals tomorrow. Along with Jag.



Sometimes I wonder how I can beat my opponents.

Jason's in his last year in NTU. He's got all the experience. Last year he came in first for his heats also. But 4th for the finals. This year he will be fighting to take that lost medal.

Jag's parents are divorced, but unlike alot of kids I know whos families suffer the same thing, Jag's chanelled his energy into running. From a fat kid to our school's top runner actually, perhaps our top canoeist as well if he beats me tomorrow.

And then look at me.

What have I got to win for?

Some lost pride for my team?

Or pride for myself?




Playing piano especially has taught me one thing.

You either get it on the spot.

Or you get it real quick.

Or you get it after a while.

Or you get it after practicing like hell.

Or you get it after practicing for years.



Perhaps I just want to get it.