By James Sablan Jr.
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Variety News Staff
IN a historic weekend on April 11-12 at the All-Ohio Championships, Oberlin College freshman Simon Tang did more than just compete — he dismantled decades of NMI track history.
Representing the NMI on the collegiate stage, Tang shattered two NMI records that had stood since before he was born, marking a monumental shift for NMI athletics — both 24-year-old marks.
The weekend began with a statement in the 110-meter hurdles. Tang crossed the finish line in 15.86 seconds, a massive personal best that erased a 24-year-old NMI record of 17.31 set by Wayne Pua at the 2002 Micronesian Games.
If the first record was about speed, the second was about sheer will.
In the 400-meter hurdles, Tang faced a literal hurdle when he fell at the eighth barrier. In a display of elite composure, he got back up and charged to the finish, clocking a 59.48.
Not only was this a personal best by more than a second, it also eclipsed the previous NMI record of 59.70 held by Beouch Ngirchomar.
“My first thought was simple: just finish,” Tang said. “I knew that if I got back up and crossed the line, the time would still be strong. I’m not disappointed at all — if anything, it motivates me.
“The next race is going to be even better. My head coach actually said, ‘That was a funny way to break a national record — falling, getting up, and still breaking it.’ So I guess it shows where I’m at physically right now.”
On breaking two NMI records, Tang said, “It feels amazing, but I try not to let it get to my head. I know what it’s like to feel on top of things and then get humbled by the next challenge, so I stay grounded.”
Tang’s pace prior to the fall suggested he was on track for a sub-57-second finish.
“It’s really special to be the one to close a 24-year gap,” he added. “I’ve been aware of those records since I first started hurdling, and from day one I genuinely believed they were within reach. Now that I’ve achieved it, I’m proud, but I’m already focused on what’s next.”
Tang’s outdoor success follows a challenging indoor season that saw him represent the NMI at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Poland. Despite the prestige, Tang admitted to battling a mental block earlier this year, where overthinking hindered his performance.
Looking ahead, Tang said he has shifted his focus from calculating his races to executing them.
“Practice is where you think, but race day is where you execute,” he said. “I just had to get out of my own way.”
With the All-Ohio titles secured, Tang is now eyeing the Oceania Championships in May.
“The goal is to compete for a podium and execute the way I know I can,” Tang said. “I believe if I do that, everything else will take care of itself.”
James Sablan has been a sports reporter for Variety since 2013. He was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College and covers all local sports.
