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
IN his heyday, Latif Olen was the undisputed track superstar of Sarawak, a name that echoed across stadiums from the 1950s to the 1970s. Arguably the most celebrated middle-distance runner the State has ever produced, his achievements still resonate with the sports-loving community today.
From 1960 to 1962, Latif triumphed in the 440 yards, later dominating the 400m for three consecutive years, from 1964 to 1966. In the 880 yards, and later the 800m, he claimed five Sarawak Amateur Athletics Association (AAA) Championship titles between 1960 and 1965. Only his great rival, Salleh Wahab, interrupted his streak, taking the title in 1961.
Their rivalry was legendary, with Salleh laying claim to the 400m titles in 1963, 1967, and 1968, but in the years that followed, it was their younger police teammate, Sultan Johari, who finally broke the duo’s dominance by winning the event from 1969 to 1972.
Though his expertise lay in the 400m and 800m, Latif was no stranger to other events. He competed in the 100m and 200m as well, steering clear only of the long distances and hurdles. His Sarawak 800m record of 1:55.85, set in 1961, stood unchallenged for 25 years until Nanthakumar finally surpassed it in 1989 with a time of 1:52.40.
At the Borneo Games, Latif extended his conquests to the 200m alongside the 400m and 800m, proving his versatility on the track.
Born in Kuching and educated at St. Thomas School in Kuching, Latif was a household name in his prime. He recalled an incident where, after accidentally knocking down a boy with his motorcycle in Padungan, his heart sank, fearing trouble. But as the crowd recognised him as “Latep Oleng,” the champion athlete from the Jubilee Ground, they quickly came to his aid, and the matter was resolved amicably.
Latif’s fame followed him into his career with the police force, though his transfer to Miri for training saw him step away from competition for a year. It was during this time that he met and married Chong Mei Ling, now known as Latifah Chong—a fellow middle-distance champion in her own right.
Today, in his 70s, Latif walks with the help of a cane, yet his memory remains as sharp as ever. Sitting in his home on Jalan Astana in Kuching, he fondly recalls the world’s greatest sprinters, such as Jim Hines of the United States, the first man to break the 10-second barrier in the 100m.
He is equally impressed by Sarawak’s own ‘Flying Dayaks’ – sprinters like Terrence Janting, Kom Tingang, and Watson Nyambek.
“We’ve had three ‘Flying Dayaks’ across different eras,” Latif said, “I especially remember Terrence Janting, who had the remarkable ability to win races with barely any training.”
A sports reporter from the 1970s once described Latif’s unique running style. His upper body would move back and forth like a pendulum, synchronised with his hand movements. Though unconventional, it worked for him, much like Michael Johnson’s upright running style did for the American 400m legend. “What matters for an athlete,” the reporter wrote, “is to adopt the running style that works best.”
Latif’s success was not just natural talent – he also benefitted from the guidance of British coach Tony Trail, who taught him to relax while running the 400m, an essential skill for any sprinter.
For the older generation of sports enthusiasts, Latif will always be remembered as Sarawak’s middle-distance king, a man whose name was synonymous with the 400m and 800m – one of the greatest athletes ever to emerge from Sarawak. –DayakDaily
