This work is originally published by Cahya Mata Sarawak. DayakDaily is given the permission to share this story within our platforms.
By Martin Yee, Kenny Ee, and Marlynda Meraw
THE name Terrence Janting may not resonate with the current generation, but he was a certified sports legend in his own right apart from being an enigmatic sportsman. As Sarawak’s premier sprinter in the 1950s, Terrence’s nature earned him the title ‘The Flying Sea Dayak from Borneo,’ a fitting epithet to his name as a great sprinter to have come out of Sarawak.
Terrence first made the headlines when he upset a strong field in the 100 yards at the 1954 Malaya Open held in Penang. Not only had he caught everyone in Malaya by surprise with that unexpected victory, but had, in the process, also written himself into Sarawak’s sporting folklore with expatriate sportswriters from the Straits Times, a reputable Malayan newspaper back in the colonial days. The headlines told a story laced with an element of surprise—even disbelief—that someone from the Bornean wilderness could eclipse the established sprinters of Malaya such as the then champion Kesavan Soon.
It was perhaps, Terrence’s cultural background that added the layers of incredulity to his giant-killing feat. Being an Iban, and in the 1950s, not much was known about the natives of Sarawak, or even Borneo. Hence, Terrence’s upstaging of the reigning Malayan champion at the time had understandably had the pundits scratching their heads. That famous victory in Penang also came as a surprise to the people of Sarawak and it brought them a deep sense of pride as well.
The running style Terrence possessed was fluid, his speed unmatched, and despite not being known for intense training, he demonstrated natural talent on the track. His victory also marked a significant breakthrough as he became the first Sarawakian to win a gold medal at the Malaya Open.
Born in Sarawak, Terrence moved with his father to Singapore before returning home, where he later joined the Sarawak Constabulary and the Telekoms. While working with both organisations, he also played football, where his speed as an attacker proved invaluable. He formed a lethal combination with local football legend Awang Ali Bema and sports giant Joseph Lee Gut Hing, with the trio gaining a reputation for their speed and finesse in the Borneo Cup.
Terrence’s dominance extended to the track, where he won the Sarawak Open 100 yards in 1956 and 1957, dethroning previous champion Peter Thien. His time of 10 seconds flat in the Sarawak Open and 10.1 seconds in the Borneo Games, where he even bested Sabah Olympian Gabuh Piging, demonstrated Terrence’s consistent excellence. These performances were all the more remarkable given that they took place on grass tracks, and with him competing without the benefit of proper spiked shoes.
Despite his remarkable achievements, Terrence narrowly missed the opportunity to become Sarawak’s first Olympian in 1960, a chance taken away by controversial selection decisions, despite him having defeated his closest rival, Kesavan Soon. It was a missed opportunity that to many, seemed unjust.
Kenny Ee, a sports writer who had the opportunity to witness Terrence’s performances, described him as a “sight to behold” in full flight. Ee recalled Terrence’s natural and effortless running style, noting how he often won races without much training. The speed, grace, and headstrong talent set Terrence apart, making him one of Sarawak’s finest sprinters.
Though Terrence passed away in the 1970s, he left behind a timeless legacy. His story remains a source of pride for the Land of the Hornbills. –DayakDaily
