Mani Jegathesan
Tan Sri Dr Jegathesan Manikavasagam (born 1943), fondly called the Flying Doctor for blazing the tracks around Asia despite being a doctor, was an icon in the 1960s, regarded as the "Golden Era" of Malaysian athletics. In his hey day, he was regarded as the fastest man in Asia.
He is a renowned doctor and researcher and was appointed as Chairman of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) Medical Commission and honorary Medical Advisor for the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games.
He is also currently the Deputy President of the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM).
Sports Involvement
Asian Games
In 1966, he earned the accolate of being the fastest man in Asia by winning three gold medals at the Bangkok Asian Games in the 100 m, 200 m and 4x100m Men's Relay events.
Commonwealth Games
At the Kingston Commonwealth Games in 1966, Dr Jega became the first Malaysian to qualify for the final of the 220-yard (now the 200 m) race.
Forty years later, Dr Jegathesan not only became an accomplished athlete, renowned doctor and researcher but did the country proud yet again through his appointment as Chairman of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) Medical Commission and honorary Medical Advisor for the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games.
In an interview with the New Straits Times, Dr Jega said it was indeed a great honour, both for himself and the country, to be appointed to such a high-profile position.
"But in whatever capacity, being part of the Commonwealth Games in itself keeps the adrenaline pumping as it brings back fond memories," he said.
Olympic Games
Dr Jega has competed in three consecutive Olympic Games, namely Rome (1960), Tokyo (1964) and Mexico (1968).
Dr Jegathesan also has the distinction of appearing in two 200 m semi-finals in the Olympics and his time of 20.92 s, set in 1968 at the Mexico Olympics, still remains intact in the Malaysian athletics records book.
His 200 m record is probably the oldest in the records books but as much as he would love to see his record remain intact, he hopes Malaysian athletes would strive harder to not only smash his record but also reinstate the country's status as a leading power in athletics, just like in the 1960s.
"It is my sincere hope to see Malaysia emerge as an athletics powerhouse in the region and appear in the final of a major event like the Asian, Commonwealth or Olympic Games," he said.
References
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