When the story of Singapore’s athletics is written, one name shines with resilience, grit, and glory — Kandasamy Jayamani. Known as the Queen of the Track and later the nation’s only female marathon gold medallist at the SEA Games, her journey is not just about breaking records but about breaking barriers of doubt, disappointment, and destiny.
Kandasamy Jayamani: A Dream Ignited at the Stadium
In 1973, a 17-year-old schoolgirl named Kandasamy Jayamani sneaked into the National Stadium to witness the SEA Games. She watched Glory Barnabas storm to victory in the 200m final, and at that moment, a fire lit within her heart — she too wanted to wear Singapore’s colours and bring home gold.
That teenage wish turned into a relentless pursuit. Guided by her coach Maurice Nicholas, Jayamani dedicated herself to rigorous training. What started as a dream became her life’s purpose — to make Singapore proud on the track.
Rising to Stardom – First Taste of Victory
Her big breakthrough came at the 1977 SEAP Games in Kuala Lumpur, where she claimed two gold medals in the 1500m (4:50.7) and 3000m (10:16.7). That same year, her talent and tenacity were recognised as she was crowned Singapore’s Sportswoman of the Year.
Two years later, at the 1979 SEA Games in Jakarta, Jayamani repeated her double-gold feat, clocking 4:37.8 in the 1500m and 10:20.6 in the 3000m. By then, she had established herself as Singapore’s finest long-distance runner.
Her remarkable consistency earned her the prestigious Sportswoman of the Year award again in 1981.
Kandasamy Jayamani: The Records That Still Stand
In 1982, Jayamani rewrote Singapore’s athletics history books. She set national records in both the 1500m (4:31.2) and 3000m (9:56.6) events — records so formidable that they remain unbroken to this day, over four decades later. This incredible achievement cemented her status as the undisputed Queen of the Track.
From Heartbreak to Glory – The Marathon Miracle
But life, like running, has its twists. At the 1983 SEA Games in Singapore, Jayamani entered as the favourite for her signature events, the 1500m and 3000m. To her devastation, she failed to defend her titles and only managed a bronze in the 3000m.
For many, that disappointment would have marked the end of their career. For Jayamani, it became the start of a greater chapter.
With no expectations, she entered the newly introduced SEA Games women’s marathon. It was only her third marathon in seven years, and she was up against seasoned runners from Thailand and Burma. But with sheer determination, she ran with every ounce of strength left in her.
In a stunning upset, Jayamani crossed the finish line first in 3:02:46, beating Thailand’s Yupin Lohachart and Myanmar’s Mar Mar Min. Against all odds, she won Singapore’s only female marathon gold medal — a title she still proudly holds today.
Lessons Beyond the Track
Jayamani’s philosophy of running mirrored her outlook on life. She once said:
“Running a race from start to finish, a lot of changes can happen. Life is like that, too. Nothing is perfect, but you can always find out what has gone wrong and fix the imperfections.”
Her words continue to inspire generations of athletes and dreamers alike. She showed that setbacks are not dead ends but opportunities to rise stronger.
Challenges Beyond Glory
Behind her medals lay real struggles. In the mid-1970s, Jayamani worked as a lift attendant at the Port of Singapore Authority. To compete internationally, she often had to take no-pay leave, sacrificing income for passion. Later, she found work at the Asian Athletics Association, where her career was better supported.
She once dreamt of representing Singapore at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, but her hopes were dashed when Singapore joined the boycott of the Games. It remains one of her deepest regrets, but it did not diminish her legacy.
Legacy of a Champion
Kandasamy Jayamani’s career yielded seven SEA Games medals — five gold and two bronze:
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Gold: 1500m (1977, 1979), 3000m (1977, 1979), Marathon (1983)
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Bronze: 800m (1977), 3000m (1983)