Raffles Institution celebrated a milestone victory on April 17, 2026, winning its first-ever C Division boys' championship trophy in track and field, a dream championed by the late throws coach Choo Chee Kiong [1, 2, 3].

Choo, who died last July at age 77 from cardiac arrest, coached the school’s throwing events for 15 years after returning from retirement in 2010 at age 62 [1, 2, 3]. He transformed the RI throws programme by developing DIY facilities and guiding athletes with a philosophy that valued "student comes before athlete" and fostered an "anything is possible" mindset [1, 2, 3]. Vincent Quek, RI athletics master, said Choo was the “first person who came to mind” during the April 17 celebration [1]. Quek described him as a fatherly figure who inspired many with his guidance beyond sports [2].

Under Choo’s leadership, RI throwers secured three B Division titles at the National School Games in 2018, 2023, and 2024, breaking six NSG records across discus, shot put, and javelin events [1, 2, 3]. Many of the athletes he coached represented Singapore in international competitions such as the Asian Youth Games, Asian City Championships, ASEAN School Games, and Southeast Asia Youth Championships [1, 2, 3].

On May 13, more than 200 members of the RI community gathered for the annual track and field dinner to pay tribute to Choo. The event featured a tribute video, medals presented to the current coaching staff, and a plaque given to Choo’s goddaughter, Ong Siang Ling [1, 2, 3]. This ceremony underscored the lasting impact Choo had on RI athletics and its athletes.

Choo’s coaching tenure began in 2010 when he returned from retirement to lead the RI throws programme. His death in July 2025 from cardiac arrest at age 77 marked the end of a significant era in RI track and field history [1, 2, 3]. The recent historic C Division title win represents a fulfillment of his long-held goal.

RI’s next major competition is scheduled for later this year, where athletes will aim to build on their recent success and honour Choo’s legacy in upcoming National School Games events [1, 2, 3].