Daryen Ko set a national Under-18 record of 52.16s in the men's 400m hurdles final at the Youth Olympic Games on 10 Nov. Photo: OIS/ Kieran Cleeves
Daryen Ko transformed fear into faith to set a national Under-18 record of 52.16sec en route to finishing sixth in the men’s 400m hurdles final at the Youth Olympic Games on 10 Nov.
The 17-year-old was emotional after his accomplishment at the Iba Mar Diop Stadium as he recalled how he felt entering the race.
“Truth be told, I was scared. Not so much of losing, but of not doing a PB (personal best). These conditions actually are scary, I’m running against giants and the 400m hurdles is just so taxing to the body two days in a row,” said Ko, whose semi-final time was 52.87s.
“I knew that looking back at my race yesterday, I knew I had to start fast. I knew I needed to dare a bit more. I was really scared that if I start too fast, I die at the end. I crossed the line with a fantastic time and I’m so thankful for.
“As someone who gets scared really easily, channeling that into faith and belief into what it could be – that’s what did it for me today.”
His previous U18 national mark of 52.75s was set at the Singapore Athletics Age Group Championships in September. Ko also holds the national Under-20 record of 52.72s in the same event, where the hurdles are three inches higher than those in U18 competitions.
While acknowledging that these are milestones he is grateful for, Ko emphasised the importance of finding purpose beyond the numbers. His religious faith, his roles as an athlete and friend, and enjoying the journey keep him grounded when things don’t go his way.
“I hope for those who have had a difficult season – and I’ve had my fare share – it’s just remembering that we come back not for the number. What does (keep us coming back) is that journey and leaving it all out there on the track,” he added.
“I just hope that we all continue to hang on to this … and remember why we do it.”
Apart from his achievements on the track, he is proud of the way he has balanced his own sporting journey with that of his fellow Singaporeans. Ko supported his teammates from afar as they competed in the recently concluded Southeast Asian Youth Athletics Championships in Bangkok. He also made time to cheer on his compatriots in Dakar, including paddler Loy Ming Ying, gymnast Xavier Pang and archer Tabitha Yeo.
“Part of me being here is not just to run, but also to support my fellow Singaporeans and that has been one of the uniting factors for our whole team here,” said Ko, who was cheered on by Team Singapore supporters that included Yeo and her father.
“That’s one of the best ways we can bond when we go out for competitions like this. We’ve got to show our athletes that we’re behind them even though there are so few of us here.”
The World U20 Athletics Championships in Oregon earlier this year, where he set the national U20 record, is his favourite sporting memory but Dakar 2026 is special for different reasons.
“The Olympic values of friendship and sportsmanship, they come through a lot more here,” he added.
“People are pin-trading, the village is so fun and there’s so much going on, so I think that’s what makes the Olympics extra special.”
The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games takes place from 31 October to 13 November 2026. For the latest Team Singapore coverage and news, follow Team Singapore on their social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) or visit the official Team Singapore website.