Juggling Books and Hurdles: Ang Chen Xiang Breaks Singapore Record at Singapore Open
Study by Night, Smash Records by Day
For most people, preparing for specialist exams is more than enough to fill a day. But for Singapore national hurdler Ang Chen Xiang, balancing books and blazing across the track is just part of the grind.
On April 24, the 29-year-old proved once again that nothing—not even late-night tutorials—can slow him down. Ang smashed his own national record in the 110m hurdles, clocking 13.80 seconds to win gold at the Singapore Open Track and Field Championships, held at the National Stadium.
Breaking Records—Again
This isn’t Ang’s first taste of national glory. In fact, this latest achievement is yet another upgrade on a record he already owned.
Just a few weeks earlier, at the Hong Kong Athletics Series 2 meet on March 29, he set a new national record of 13.81 seconds. But on home soil, with the crowd behind him, he sliced off another 0.01 seconds, reaffirming his status as Singapore’s fastest-ever hurdler.
While it might seem like a small improvement to the casual observer, in sprint hurdles, every hundredth of a second counts—and breaking your own record twice in less than a month is no small feat.
“It’s Like Sitting for Two Tests”
Despite the adrenaline on the track, life off it hasn’t exactly slowed down for Ang. The national athlete is also preparing for his medical specialist exams, and that means spending nights glued to screens and textbooks after intense training sessions.
“It’s like sitting for two tests—one on the track and one in the books,” Ang said with a laugh.
His ability to balance athletic excellence and academic commitment is something many find inspiring. It’s not just about speed—it’s about discipline, time management, and an incredible level of dedication.
Singapore Open: A Stage for Champions
The Singapore Open Track and Field Championships is one of the premier events in the local athletics calendar, drawing top talent from the region. For Ang, winning on home turf made the moment even sweeter.
With the National Stadium as the backdrop, the atmosphere was electric. Friends, family, and fans witnessed the culmination of years of training, hard work, and unwavering focus.
What’s Next for Ang Chen Xiang?
Now that he’s rewritten the record books again, what’s next?
Ang has his sights set on even bigger goals, including:
- Asian Athletics Championships
- SEA Games
- And possibly a push towards Olympic qualification
His steady progression suggests that he’s not done breaking barriers—both in sport and in life. As long as he stays injury-free and continues improving in small but significant ways, Ang could be Singapore’s best shot at making waves on the international stage in hurdles.
More Than Just a National Record
Ang’s story is about more than just numbers on a stopwatch. It’s about resilience, focus, and a quiet kind of ambition that doesn’t always make headlines—but absolutely deserves to.
He represents a generation of multi-hyphenate athletes—those who chase dreams both on and off the field. His journey reminds us that you don’t have to choose between your passions—you can fight for both.
Singapore’s Record-Breaking Hurdler Isn’t Slowing Down
Whether it’s a textbook or a hurdle, Ang Chen Xiang clears it with confidence and commitment. His latest national record at the Singapore Open is more than a sporting achievement—it’s a celebration of dedication, balance, and heart.
With every race, Ang is not just running for medals—he’s setting an example for young athletes across Singapore who dream of doing it all.
So the next time you think it’s impossible to juggle studies and sport, remember Ang Chen Xiang—who’s acing both.
