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
IN the storied history of Sarawakian sports, Joseph Lee Gut Hing’s name resonates as a paragon of versatility, dedication, and achievement. More than just an all-rounder athlete, Joseph’s contributions to Sarawakian sports have spanned decades, influencing not only those he competed alongside, but also the many athletes he coached and mentored.
Joseph’s sporting journey began in 1936 at St. Joseph’s School in Kuching, where his raw talent was spotted early on by Brother Charles O’Leary , a teacher who played a significant role in guiding Joseph towards a multi-faceted career in athletics. O’Leary, known for his strict but caring approach, pushed Joseph to excel in various events, instilling in him a drive that would define his athletic career. From football and athletics to tennis and billiards, Joseph not only participated—he dominated.
His track and field career were perhaps his most defining. Joseph quickly distinguished himself as a sprinter, high jumper, pole vaulter, long jumper, and hurdler, competing at a national level in all these events. His crowning moment came in 1962, when he became the first Sarawakian to break the 10-second barrier in the 100-yard sprint, clocking at a remarkable 9.8 seconds. Joseph’s sprinting prowess saw him capture the Sarawak Amateur Athletic Association (SAAA) 100-yard title three times consecutively, from 1958 to 1960, before leaving to further his studies.
Joseph was selected to represent Sarawak in the British Empire Games held in Cardiff, Wales, alongside fellow Sarawak athletes such as Tham Siew Kai, Salleh Wahab, and Chan Pak Weng. His return to Sarawak in 1962 was nothing short of triumphant, as he clinched yet another victory in the 100-yard dash, despite a brief hiatus during his overseas studies in Belfast. That same year, he participated in the Asian Games in Jakarta, proving his ability to compete on the international stage.
and field events.
One of his most memorable athletic experiences occurred during the 1958 Borneo Games in Seria, Brunei. Lining up alongside fellow Sarawakian sprinter Terrence Janting, Joseph faced an unusual challenge. After a false start, the runners were not recalled, and Joseph found himself several yards behind Terrence and the rest of the field. Remarkably, he managed to close the gap, edging out his teammate by the narrowest of margins and securing victory in a race he would never forget.
Despite his many personal achievements, Joseph’s legacy extends far beyond the track. As an educationist, his passion for sports translated into a lifelong dedication to developing the next generation of athletes. After completing his studies in Belfast, he returned home in 1962, bringing with him valuable insights that would shape the future of Sarawak’s school sports. Joseph’s influence was instrumental in making a “quantum leap” in sports development across Sarawak, helping to lay the groundwork for many future champions.
As a coach, he nurtured countless athletes, guiding them to national and international success. His mentorship produced Southeast Asian (SEA) Games contenders, national champions, and even Olympic athletes. One notable star under his wing was high jumper Chai Ng Mei, better known as Gladys Chai, whom Joseph taught the straddle technique, laying the foundation for her illustrious career as Sarawak’s premier high jumper.
His coaching career was marked by more than just technical training – it was about instilling discipline and a love for the sport. His contributions were not limited to track and field. After injuries led him to step back from competitive athletics and football, he picked up tennis, a sport he quickly mastered. Joseph went on to win both the Sarawak and Borneo Tennis Championships, becoming an integral part of Sarawak’s team in the Borneo Tennis Tournament.
His versatility and relentless dedication to self-improvement were further evident in his later years, when he worked at the Sarawak Golf Club (KGS), promoting sports through the Junior Golf Programme. He believed that success came through both talent and hard work, a mantra he lived by throughout his life.
Even during his early years, when formal coaching was scarce, Joseph’s hunger for knowledge drove him to the library, where he devoured books on proper athletics techniques. This self-taught approach, combined with his relentless work ethic, allowed him to maintain an unbeaten record in the 100-yard dash within Sarawak. By the late 1960s, with the support of the British Council, professional coaches like Tony Trail arrived in Sarawak to conduct short courses. Joseph, who had spent years honing his own skills, saw Trail as one of the finest foreign coaches, recognising his contribution to helping athletes like Bala Ditta, Salleh Wahab, Bill Chai, and Abdul Latif Haji Olen become champions.
Throughout his career, Joseph remained connected to the institutions that had shaped him. Upon his return from Belfast, he joined the Education Department and served as a roving teacher across six schools. He later became a prominent figure at the Batu Lintang Teachers’ Training College, where he mentored future sporting icons such as Ballang Lasung and Joseph Mong.
Beyond his role as a coach and teacher, Joseph’s personal commitment to sports extended to his family. He taught all three of his sons, John, George, and Raymond, the game of tennis. Under his guidance, each son became an accomplished player, with John excelling as a decathlete who represented Sarawak in the Malaysian Open Athletics Meet.
Though Joseph officially retired from the Education Department in 1991 and from the sporting scene in 1998, his influence continues to ripple through the community. Today, he enjoys a quieter life but remains in close contact with friends and fellow sportsmen. The impact of his work as an athlete, coach, and educator has left an indelible mark on Sarawakian sports.
Joseph may have stepped away from the limelight, but his towering legacy stands as a testament to a lifetime of achievement, perseverance, and the profound belief that hard work and passion can inspire generations. –DayakDaily
