SINGAPORE — As a former national sprinter, Poh Seng Song is no stranger to the difficulties faced by local athletes in their quest to reach the top as they juggle training, competitions and other commitments outside of athletics.

The 33-year-old may have hung up his spikes, but the difficulties he faced as a sportsman remain fresh in his mind. It is why he is determined to help current track and field athletes overcome such difficulties, as well as provide the right conditions for them to thrive.

In order to be in a position to effect positive change within the local athletics fraternity, Poh decided to take up the offer to join lawyer Edmond Pereira’s team in contesting the Singapore Athletics (SA) elections on June 27.

“I’ve been in athletics for quite some time now, and gone through the various changes in regime within the SA,” Poh, who will be running for the position of honorary secretary, told TODAY. “So I know the sport well, and I also have the benefit of an on-the-ground understanding of what modern-day athletes need in order to thrive in their respective fields.

“As a former athlete, I’m always fighting for the athletes’ rights. There have been athletes who have voiced their frustrations to me about certain issues, but I wasn’t in a position to do much about it, except to write in to the management committee. Also, I felt there was a mental barrier that prevented athletes from speaking out for themselves. But I don’t want athletes to have that fear. I hope to be the bridge between them and the committee, and give them a voice.”

Poh was also quick to allay fears that he would, if elected into office, make unfair decisions to benefit his wife, national sprinter Dipna Lim Prasad.

“Dipna is not the reason why I’ve decided to run for this position,” explained the commercial pilot. “In fact, if I am elected in, I won’t be involved in a lot of matters regarding Dipna because there would be a conflict of interest.

“For example, I will not be involved in things like athlete selection for major Games when Dipna is one of the candidates. I expect coaches of active athletes who are on the selection panel will do the same.

“Our team is open and transparent. When we set a selection criteria, it is not about whether we like the athlete or not, and there’s no subjectivity to it. We are not biased, and will not let personal agendas come into the equation.” NOAH TAN