Rajamani: Subramaniam was more than a great runner

PETALING JAYA: The late R. Subramaniam (pic) was not only a respected national middle-distance runner during his heyday but he was also a dear brother to many.

For sprinting legend Datuk M. Rajamani, he was a guardian angel.

On Sunday, the Olympian passed away at the age of 83 after he was brought to the hospital due to chest pain.

“I was in my early 20s when I joined the centralised training for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. He, together with shuttler Tan Aik Huang, would buy breakfast for me. They’ll make sure I’ve eaten.

“He understood that I was away from my family. He was very protective and caring,” said Rajamani.

“He was not only a good friend but acted like a big brother. I called him ‘anneh’.

“I remember this incident during one of the Commonwealth Games when the athletes from India and Pakistan used to follow me, and they would persuade me to go for a meal with them. But Subramaniam will be there to protect me.’’

Rajamani said Subramaniam would go the extra mile to help others.

“It was not only for me as he extends help to all others in our circle too.”

Subramaniam, a former Prisons director, qualified for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and the 1968 Mexico Olympics.

He also competed in the 1962 Commonwealth Games in Perth, Australia, and the subsequent one in Kingston, Jamaica.

During his 10-year career, he won seven gold and six silver medals in the Asian and the SEAP Games.

One of the highlights was at the Kuala Lumpur SEAP Games in 1965 when he beat the then champion of Burma, Jimmy Crampton.