PETALING JAYA: Winning medals in the biggest competitions is every athlete’s dream.
But for former sprinter P. Savithri, what should have been a crowning moment at the 1971 SEAP Games in Kuala Lumpur has turned into a bittersweet memory.
Instead of basking in glory after her triumph, she was left with empty hands and unfulfilled joy as her medals never made it to her.
It has been 54 long years since that day, and Savithri is still waiting to hold in her hands the symbols of one of the greatest achievements of her career.
It will be a great Merdeka gift if she gets it back - even if it was a replica.
Savithri captured gold in the pentathlon and silver in the 100m hurdles but her efforts to get the medals ended in vain.
“My gold and silver medals in 1971 during the ceremony were borrowed by the officials. They said they were short of medals,” said a disappointed Savithri.
“I didn’t realise that they never gave them back to me until later. Even when I spoke to Malaysian Athletics (MA) officials, they said ‘don’t worry we will send you your medals’, but I never received them.
“Those people are gone now. It has already been 54 years now and I’m still waiting.
“I did not even get an explanation even though I have asked many times,” added Savithri.
It is a sad and surprising state of affairs when the national body do not even appreciate one of their athletes who had brought pride and joy to the country.
MA should at least present Savithri with replica medals after all these years.
