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
Jorginho fired Chelsea to a 2-1 win at struggling Fulham on Sunday as Blues keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga began to make amends for his Wembley mutiny with an impressive display. Maurizio Sarri's side
Jorginho fires Chelsea to victory as recalled Kepa shines
Football Association of Singapore (FAS) are set to announce Australian Joe Palatsides as its new technical director, according to reports coming in from Singapore. The Straits Times are reporting
Football: New FAS technical director Joseph Palatsides aims
Zidane leads first session since return to Real Madrid Zinedine Zidane's second spell as coach of Real Madrid got underway on Wednesday as the Frenchman took his first session at the club's training ground in Valdebebas.
Zidane leads first session since return to Real Madrid | Free
MAN CITY 7 ROTHERHAM 0 Sterling, Foden, Jesus, Mahrez, Otamendi and Sane all on target as Man City thrash Rotherham in FA Cup and Manchester City went into seventh heaven. Paul Warne's
Seventh Heaven Full Service Salon - Home | Facebook
Europa League: Rangers crash out, Eintracht fans run riot at Lazio Steven Gerrard's Rangers, who had to win in Vienna in their final group game in order to qualify for the last 32, finish third
Rangers out of Europa League, Eintracht fans run riot at Lazio
Chelsea can cope with transfer ban, says Sarri By Mod - 2019-04-05 18:17:39 - [ ] Chelsea's French striker Olivier Giroud (R) celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal of the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Brighton and Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge in London on April 3, 2019.
Premier League: Chelsea can cope with transfer ban, says
DAKAR • Egypt striker Mohamed Salah was named the African Footballer of the Year for the second straight year at the Confederation of African Football's (CAF) awards ceremony in Dakar on Tuesday..
Egypt's Salah retains African Footballer of the Year Award
Jun 06, 2019 · Players, both American and international, who will be worth watching at the World Cup in France: Julie Ertz — Now playing in the midfield, she is the link between the Americans' offense and defense.
Players to watch in France - straitstimes.com
Old Trafford is no longer the fortress it used to be, says Pep Guardiola about Manchester derby - Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said Manchester United's home ground Old Trafford is no longer the fortress it used to be as City look to win all three points and take the lead in the Premier League title race.
Australia captain Tim Paine believes his emerging team found a hard-nosed identity appropriate for their reformed demeanour after a 146-run victory against India in the "bruising" second test on
Paine Relieved With Aussie Triumph - Complete Sports
Time for Sanchez, Lukaku to shine, Football News & Top
Queiroz livid despite rout, Football News & Top Stories - The
Singapore found a second-half winner to defeat hosts Malaysia 1-0 and progress to the final of the Airmarine Cup 2019 at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday.
Topic: Faris Ramli | The Malaysian Pulse - Beat of the Nation
Liverpool will spend Christmas on top of the Premier League after goals from Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk earned them a 2-0 win at Wolves on Friday, opening up a four-point lead over second
Soccer: Liverpool seal Christmas top spot as Salah and Van
Unai Emery launched an impassioned defence of Shkodran Mustafi on the eve of Arsenal's Premier League trip to Wolves - but admits there is room for improvement for the beleaguered centre-back.
0 comments:
Post a Comment