It was quite simply an amazing and exhilarating experience. Being a torchbearer in KL 2017 Torch Run exceeded all my expectations.
Application
I decided to apply to be a torch bearer in the KL 2017 (29th SEA Games & 9th ASEAN Para Games) when I learned about the Torch Run from friends in a running club. That was back in April. After sending in my application online, I got busy with my training for the SCKLM 2017 (read my blogpost) and didn't put high hopes that I would be picked by the organising committee (Malaysia Organising Committee KL2017, MASOC).
In July, I was shocked when I received a call from a lady who said that she was from the Ministry of Youth and Sports and that she was calling to inform me that I have been selected to be a torchbearer in KL2017 Torch Run. Still reeling from shock when she congratulated me, I managed to articulate my gratefulness for being selected with a genial "Terima kasih... ini berita terbaik."
I found out that I would be one of the forty torchbearers running in the Hulu Langat leg of the Torch Run on 3 Aug, the penultimate day of its journey in the state of Selangor. After Selangor, the torch will go to Putrajaya and the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur where it will eventually be brought into Axiata Arena (formerly the Bukit Jalil Indoor National Stadium) to light up the Games Cauldron at the opening ceremony of KL 2017 on 19 Aug.
Torch Run Day
The day started at 11 a.m. with a briefing by the organising committee. At the briefing venue, I met the other torchbearers including a businesswoman, an athlete, an officer in the civil defense unit, a musician and a student. I realised the group present was as diverse in their background as they were in their running ability. With the exception of a VIP, the other runners were everyday people like me. And it was good to learn that these runners represent the diversity of the communities in Malaysia.
The official t-shirts were distributed after briefing on the technical aspects of the run. While some did not get their preferred size because the organizers were unable to accommodate pre-order requests - in the end, most if not all managed to find a t-shirt which fitted reasonably well. Thumbs up for the design of the t-shirt which comes with a v-neck and the colors of Jalur Gemilang. The fabric felt comfortable on my skin. I was assigned No. 31 which I carefully stuck on my running shorts.
The weather was mostly cloudy all morning and it turned out to be a blessing for the runners. I was concerned that it might be too hot to run at 2 p.m. on a sunny day. The event coordinator informed us that we would have to run - rain or shine. The show must go on! Around 1 p.m., it started to rain. Concerned friends messaged me to ask if the run would be cancelled. I assured them that it would go on and that it was still early so there was no reason to be worried. Furthermore, the rain would not dampen our spirit. Sure enough, by 1:30 p.m, the rain had subsided and us torchbearers piled into a bus which took us to the starting point in Kampung Bukit Sungai Puteh.
The route for the run is a fairly easy one except for a hilly stretch between checkpoints 3 and 4 on a 6.5km course. Most of the torchbearers accepted the invitation by the organizer to run the entire course at a comfortable, non-competitive pace. There were two 100 plus stations along the route. At the finisher area there was a Spritzer water station and a Milo van.
My moment to shine
My turn to carry the torch was between checkpoints 4 and 5. When the whistle was blown to signal it was time to switch runner, I took the torch from the girl before me. This was it! My moment to shine. The torch was not light. Somehow I felt remarkably strong and held it up firmly in my right hand. A deep sense of pride coursed through every fiber of my being as I took my first step. And another step. And another step. I then trotted along after the media van and maintained my best running form in front of the cameraman. The space reverberated with chants of "Ayuh" alternating with "Bangkit Bersama" (Rising Together). At this point, I felt as if I was carrying the hope of the nation in the upcoming SEA Games, alongside all the other torchbearers behind me. "Malaysia" shouted the coordinator and the crowd responded with "Juara" (champion). It was an amazing feeling!
Nearing the hydration station, I could see a crowd of supporters gathered there and cheering us on. The screams and cheers became more frenzied as I passed the hydration station. And out of the corner of my eye, I spotted my colleagues. I winked at them and waved at their cameras. Feeling on top of the world at the sight of familiar faces, I whooped and waved to thank them for coming to support me. I could not hope for anything more on this monumental day.
The 150m leg of the run in which I was the torch bearer soon ended. Truth be told, it didn't last long and I wish I could have longer contact time with the torch but I'm glad I savoured every second of the run. After I passed the torch to the next runner, I went over to my colleagues and took bursts of wefie shots with them before re-joining the convoy. I stayed with the torchbearer group and ran till the finish point where the torch was handed over to the representative of Sepang district.
Running in the KL2017 as a torchbearer is an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime experience and carrying the flame for 150m in the run is a moment I will remember forever.
I'm grateful to have been given the opportunity to do it.
Until the next run..........
