This work is originally published by Cahya Mata Sarawak. DayakDaily has been given permission to share this story on our platforms.
By Martin Yee, Kenny Ee, and Marlynda Meraw
FOR nearly two decades, Jessica Lau Kiu Ee reigned as Sarawak’s top female athlete, dominating not only the local scene but also earning international recognition. She was the queen of the track in the 1970s and 1980s, competing in multiple events—the 100m, 200m, 400m, and long jump—but it was the 400m hurdles that brought Jessica her greatest acclaim.
In the 1976 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, held in front of an eager Malaysian audience, Jessica conquered more than just hurdles; she won the hearts of Sarawakians. The 400m hurdles event saw her triumph over Datuk Marina Chin, the darling of Malaysia, in a race broadcast live across the nation.
“I was hardly noticed by anybody,” Jessica recalled, remembering how the crowd focused solely on Marina. In that very race, Jessica stayed steady, crossing the finish line to claim the gold.
Jessica’s journey to becoming an athletic icon started far from the bright lights of international competition. Growing up in the small town of Sibu in the 1970s, she and her sister, Lau Kiew Ung, took their first steps into athletics together. Sports provided Jessica with a path to explore the world beyond home, inspired initially by her older sister. With the Tuanku Haji Bujang Stadium— formerly the King George Memorial Ground—right in the centre of Sibu, she had a local training ground that would eventually lead her to greatness.
She began competing at just 10 years old while still in primary school at a government-aided school (SRB) Chung Hua, Sibu. By 13, she had moved to Catholic High School, where she represented Sarawak in events like the 400m, long jump, and relays. Her early achievements culminated in a breakthrough win at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Schools meet in Singapore, where she claimed the long jump title—a victory she remembers as a major milestone in her career.
By the early 1970s, Jessica’s dominance was well-established. Representing Sibu at the Sarawak Amateur Athletic Association (AAA) championships, she claimed both the 100m and long jump titles. Her prowess in sprinting became a hallmark of her career, with an unprecedented six-time consecutive victory in the 100m solidifying her status as Sarawak’s sprint queen.
Under the guidance of Sarawak coach Joseph Lee Gut Hing in 1974, Jessica made a pivotal switch from sprints to hurdles. Lee saw in her the potential to achieve even greater heights in the 400m hurdles, a decision that soon led to her unforgettable SEA Games appearance in Kuala Lumpur. Competing often in Marina’s shadow, Jessica showed determination and grit, pushing boundaries to excel.
After her significant 1976 SEA Games victory, Jessica decided to retire in 1980 and returned to Sibu, planning a quieter life away from the track. However, the lure of competition was strong, and after five years away, she made a remarkable comeback in 1986. Jessica’s return saw her reclaiming the 100m title and continuing her winning ways in various events until 1989.
But by 1989, at the age of 31, Jessica faced a new challenge: the Malaysian Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) informed her she was “too old” to continue, despite her enduring performance. Her final competition came at the 1989 Government Services (MAKSAK) meet, marking the end of a glittering career.
Jessica’s legacy, however, reached beyond the track. After her competitive years, she served as a coach for Sarawak’s team in the first Malaysian Games (Sukma) in 1986, though she left coaching after a few years.
Despite stepping away from athletics, her passion for running continued. Jessica went on to participate in 11 marathons across Penang, Kuching, and Sibu, along with a 21K race for sheer enjoyment. In a final nod to competition, she even placed third in a veteran race in Brunei.
Through every phase, Jessica remained a beacon of resilience, overcoming both physical and life’s challenges. Her story is one of rising from humble beginnings to etch her name in Sarawak’s sporting history. Jessica, Sarawak’s track queen, embodies the spirit of perseverance and the beauty of never giving up—a true inspiration for generations to come. –DayakDaily
