ATHLETE OF THE YEAR MALACCA HIGH 1981

There is no more deserving winner for the Athlete of the Year Award in the Malacca High School in 1981 than David James Thomas. A gifted middle and long-distance runner, he has made his mark both at school and State level and had earned himself a coveted place among the ranks of the the most brilliant athletes the school has ever produced.

David first showed his athletic prowess when he was in Form 3, winning the Juniors' Cross-Country. This first of many athletic triumphs was to be his stepping-stone to glory and for the first time people began to see his vast potential.

Running in the Senior Section for the first time the following year, he bested opponents very much his senior to herald his reign as the undisputed 'Cross-Country King' Thereafter, he was to win the title twice more in the space of three years. (He did not compete in 1980 as he was still waiting to be admitted into the Lower Six)

David's forte has always been the middle and long-distance races. He has remained undefeated in the 800m, 1500m and 3000m events for the past three years. Noted for his strong finishing bursts, it is not unusual for him to leave his opponents half a lap behind.

1981 has been his finest season in athletics. He equaled the school 800m record of 2:05.0s and established a new record of 10:06.2s for the 3000m. He was also a member of the victorious Famosa Tug-Of-War team. As a fitting culmination to a memorable season, he was named as the undisputed Individual Champion for Division I, unlike the previous year when he had to share the Championship with Roslan Mohd. Nor.

Running in his three pet events at both the Bukit China Zone meet and the MSSM meet, he picked up another six gold medals to complete a medal haul of 13 golds for that year. For his fine showing at State level, David was selected to captain the State Athletics Team to the MSS Malaysia meet in Kota Baru where he competed in the 800m, 1500m and 4 x 400m relay.

This prolific medal-winner atttributes his success to the guidance and encouragement of his Athletics Master, Mr. Low and his House Master, Encik Zakuwan. David left for Australia the following year, where he hoped to pursue a degree in Computer Science. He also hopes to continue participating in athletics while Down Under. His school-mates wishes him the best of luck in all his endeavors.