How world’s fastest Singaporean stays in shape into his 40s: UK Shyam talks about diet and the importance of strength training
The Lion City’s 100-metre sprint record holder shows no signs of slowing down, 17 years after he broke the national record which had stood for 33 years – in a time no one has bettered since. He reveals the secret to keeping fit as you age
He made headlines in Singapore in 2001, when he broke the 33-year-old national record for the 100-metre sprint with a time of 10.37 seconds at the World University Games in Beijing (the previous national record of 10.38 seconds had been set by Singaporean sprinter Canagasabai Kunalan in 1968).
Barely a month later, when he was still 25, he equalled his own record at the 21st SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur to take a silver medal. To this day his record remains unbroken.
Back then, Singaporean media couldn’t get enough of Umaglia Kancanangai Shyam Dhuleep, otherwise known as UK Shyam, and brands including Nike and Tag Heuer were keen to have him endorse their products.
He later went on to win more accolades for his country – a silver medal for the 4 x 100-metre men’s relay at the 22nd SEA Games in Hanoi in 2003; and a bronze medal in the same event at the 23rd SEA Games in Manila in 2005. Between 2001 and 2003, he was ranked No. 1 in Singapore for the 100-metre men’s sprint.
Today, life is a little quieter. At 42, he no longer competes, is happily married, and teaches philosophy at a junior college in Singapore. He still lives an active lifestyle and maintains a moderate training regime. He is also honorary secretary of the Chiam See Tong Sports Fund, a charity to help underprivileged athletes excel in their sport.
His book Running on Empty: The Story Behind 0.01s, a memoir of sorts, is expected to launch this summer. Here, he gives us a glimpse of his story, shares his thoughts on staying in shape after 40, and emphasises the importance of exposing children to sport.