The maximum score a shooter can achieve with an air rifle is 10.9. During training, national shooter Jasmine Ser is given a target of 52.5 for a set of five shots, and she must achieve this for eight sets.
Sometimes she misses by less than a hair's breadth and records a 52.4, and her Russian coach Kirill Ivanov would "close one eye" and consider it a pass.
But Ser, never a shrinking violet, would turn down her coach's goodwill and continue pursuing the 52.5. It can take her an extra five minutes, or an extra hour.
Yesterday, at askST@NLB, the 28-year-old, a three-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist, gave a glimpse into what life is like as a world-class athlete.
The talk at the Central Public Library in Victoria Street, attended by 150 readers, was conducted by The Straits Times assistant sports editor Rohit Brijnath.
To let the audience get a feel of how tough Ser's sport is, Brijnath handed out paper targets to demonstrate how tiny the 10.9 target is from 10 metres.
Ser also enthralled the crowd with lesser-known nuggets such as how she was actually a myopic shooter and only later on had laser eye surgery to correct her vision, and that she is a leftie who shoots right-handed. She was candid as she shared about the pressure, fear and doubt she faces in her quest for Olympic glory.
Ser said: "As I grow older, I can really feel the difference as it becomes more difficult to command my body. But I have also learnt about mindfulness and relaxation techniques which have helped me.
"I feel pressure is something imaginary that can be good or bad. It is a matter of how you utilise it. For me, pressure makes me better, sharper and more focused."
Ending the 90-minute talk, Brijnath encouraged Singaporeans to show up at sports competitions to lend their support to local athletes.
Ser added: "Athletes need validation and affirmation from their fellow countrymen to push us to greater heights."
The talk was streamed live on the Rings.TV application, which had more than 600 views. The video can be replayed via the app, which can be downloaded from the Apple App Store, or Google Play Store.
Mihir Shrivastava, a 49-year-old trader, felt he got to know more about the inner workings of a top athlete's mind.
He said: "It was nice to get to learn what they go through, and the kind of discipline required to reach the top. What struck me most about Jasmine was that there was no trace of negativity about her. Be it sickness, myopia or poor results, she was able to channel the challenges she faced into positivity."
The askST@NLB series is a monthly collaboration between the National Library Board and ST in which ST journalists helm discussions on topics.
The next session on March 29 will be moderated by ST news editor Zakir Hussain, who will discuss details of the Merdeka Generation Package with Senior Minister of State for Health Amy Khor and Permanent Secretary for Health Chan Heng Kee. Readers may register at str.sg/askZakir
Giroud demands important role at Chelsea next season
Rodgers set for Premier League return with Leicester by BeSoccer @besoccer_com - 26 Feb 2019 0 3,056 Brendan Rodgers took a signficant step closer to a return to managing in the Premier League as Celtic "very reluctantly" granted him permission to talk to Leicester City.
Brendan Rodgers set for Premier League return with Leicester
Jurgen Klopp pinpointed a mounting injury list as the explanation for Liverpool's sub-par performance in a 1-1 draw at West Ham on Monday that leaves the league leaders just three points clear of
Premier League - Page 3 - Champion Delight - Football News
LONDON (REUTERS) - Defender Jan Vertonghen scored once and set up another goal for Son Heung-min as Tottenham Hotspur beat Borussia Dortmund 3-0 at Wembley Stadium on Wednesday (Feb 13) to give
Vertonghen shines as Tottenham beat Dortmund 3-0 - Cyprus Mail
Sport24 - Iran coach Carlos Queiroz said Friday that he was "honoured" to be courted by Colombia, who want the former Real Madrid boss to join them after the Asian Cup. But the Portuguese, who has been Iran coach for eight rollercoaster years, insisted that he remains committed to bringing
Iran coach Queiroz set for Colombia switch after Asian Cup
David de Gea has made three errors leading to goals in his last four games in all competitions for Manchester United, as many as in his previous 123 matches for the club As Manchester United lined up the injury-time corner that ended with Pedro clearing Marcos Rojo's header off the line, David de Gea stood […]
David de Gea: Manchester United keeper gives Ole Gunnar
LONDON (Reuters) - Chelsea suffered a setback in their push for a Champions League spot when they were held to a 2-2 draw at home to Burnley in the Premier League on Monday and tempers flared at the end of the match when Chelsea coach Maurizio Sarri was sent to the stands. Jeff Hendrick gave Burnley
Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar on Sunday left the door open for a potential move to Spanish giants Real Madrid. The world's most expensive footballer is currently recovering from a foot injury which he suffered on January 23 and has been linked with a return to La Liga ever since joining PSG from
Neymar hints at joining Real Madrid - rappler.com
FC Barcelona were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw at Olympique Lyonnais in their UEFA Champions League last 16 first leg tie on Tuesday. The result ensured both sides remained unbeaten in this season's competition.
Wasteful Barca held to goalless draw at defiant Olympique
LONDON (REUTERS) - Christian Eriksen's 88th minute goal finally broke Brighton and Hove Albion's brave resistance to give Tottenham Hotspur a precious 1-0 victory in their quest for a top-four
Eriksen's late goal secures precious win for Tottenham
Experienced Liverpool making a big statement, says Klopp "That says something, it's a big statement for the club. OK we play Barca, maybe it's not too easy," the German added with a smile
Experienced Liverpool making a big statement, says Klopp
I cannot stop Messi alone, admits Virgil Van Dijk. Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk insists he will not face a personal duel against Lionel Messi in his side's Champions League semi-final
I cannot stop Messi alone, admits Van Dijk -football- my.t
0 Kommentare:
Kommentar veröffentlichen