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
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp admits Dejan Lovren is unlikely to feature against Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Tuesday night. Lovren is still recovering from a hamstring injury sustained against Wolves last month and the Croatia international did not travel with his team-mates to the club's warm-weather training camp in Marbella.
Liverpool's Lovren unlikely to face Bayern, says Klopp
Salah retains African award to seal great day for Egypt
Jurgen Klopp hasn't enjoyed much of an affinity with the FA Cup during his Liverpool reign. In his three seasons at Anfield the Reds haven't even reached the fifth round of the world's oldest knockout competition, let alone the bright lights of Wembley. It's been a tale of weakened teams, glaring mistakes and painful early exits.
Klopp: Players unfazed by my exit - Football - Eurosport
Unai Emery says he's expecting a big tactical challenge from Manuel Pellegrini when Arsenal face West Ham United at the London Stadium. The two men know each other well from their La Liga days with the boss, in charge of Valencia at the time, tackling the Chilean's sides at Villarreal, Real Madrid and Malaga.
The Straits Times - Breaking News, Lifestyle & Multimedia News
LONDON (AFP) - Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk insists he will not face a personal duel against Lionel Messi in his side's Champions League semi-final against Barcelona.. Read more at
Football: I cannot stop Messi alone, admits Van Dijk - CNA
The former Reds striker says the German would get "the keys to the whole place" if he can land a first top-flight crown in 30 years Jurgen Klopp's Champions League success means that he now
Big news: Jurgen Klopp set to be offered bumper new contract
LONDON • Professional footballers in England and Wales, including leading Premier League players, staged a 24-hour boycott of social media yesterday to protest against racist abuse, both online
Premier League footballers back 24-hour social media boycott
Man City's De Bruyne upbeat as he bids to put injuries behind him Kevin De Bruyne's timely return to action for Manchester City is a major boost for Pep Guardiola as his team brace for a
Premier League: Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne upbeat as
LAUSANNE (AFP) - Manchester City have launched a legal bid to stop Uefa banning them from the 2020-2021 Champions League, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) said.. Read more at straitstimes.com.
Manchester City appeals possible UEFA Champions League ban
Pep Guardiola vows to fight fire with fire as he prepares Manchester City to play like Barcelona and starve Lionel Messi of the ball. Pep Guardiola returns to the Nou Camp to face Barcelona on
England Young Lions continue preparations for this summer's Euro U21 finals as Phil Foden and Co train ahead of Poland and Germany clashes. England Under 21s trained in Bristol ahead of clashes
Lion cubs bite their mum to hone hunting skills in South
Tottenham Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino believes Moussa Sissoko will not be fit for another two weeks due to a groin injury. Spurs' Sissoko likely to miss Ajax opener Son has been a
Spurs boss Pochettino slapped with Champions League ban for
0 Kommentare:
Kommentar veröffentlichen