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
FOR Salleh Wahab, the rhythm of the 400m hurdles wasn’t just a race; it was a test of will, a quiet rebellion against the odds. In the 1950s and 60s, when athletic facilities were scarce and guidance even scarcer, Salleh emerged from Sarawak’s modest sports scene, carrying the weight of his dreams and transforming them into victories.
He wasn’t born a hurdler. His early days saw him covering ground as a long-distance runner at St. Joseph’s School, under the gentle encouragement of Brother Albinus (Michael O’Flaherty) and Brother Charles O’Leary. But it was at Batu Lintang Teachers’ College that Salleh’s true calling on the track unfolded.Under British coach Tony Trail’s watchful eye, he shifted to the gruelling 400m hurdles—a decision that would change his life, and Sarawak’s athletic history, forever.
He rivalled great athletes like Bala Ditta, the 110m hurdles specialist, in what became one of Sarawak’s most memorable track rivalries. Despite excelling in different events, their rivalry was proof of the depth of talent that Sarawak nurtured during this era. Joseph Mong and Jerome Goh were among the runners who pushed him to his limits during his long-distance days before Salleh shifted his focus to the hurdles.
At the heart of Salleh’s success was his time at Batu Lintang Teachers’ College, where he graduated alongside another Sarawakian legend, Joseph Lee. His post-graduation career led him to Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Lumba Kuda in Padungan, Kuching, where he taught primary school students while training at the nearby Jubilee Ground. His career took a defining turn when he joined the Prisons Department in 1964, an institution known for its active promotion of sports. The Department encouraged its staff and Salleh thrived under this encouragement, finding both a profession and a home for his athletic talents.
But it was his international experiences that truly set Salleh apart. He was among the first Sarawak athletes to represent the region at the British Empire Games—first in Cardiff in 1958 and then in Perth in 1962. These Empire Games represented the pinnacle of his career, giving him the opportunity to showcase his abilities on an international stage at a time when coaching resources were scarce.
Salleh’s career was built on dedication, self-training, and his profound love for the sport. His 18-year journey saw him compete in countless Borneo Games, the Malaysian Games, and the Government Services Games, where he continued to inspire younger athletes. His Empire Games appearances are remembered as the crowning achievements of an athlete who represented Sarawak with pride and dignity.
Though he retired from competition in 1973, when he married at the age of 34, Salleh’s influence on Sarawakian athletics continued to resonate. His legacy was one of humble dedication—whether he was training under the heat of the sun or mentoring the next generation of athletes. Even in his later years, the memories of his time on the track remained sharp. Soft-spoken and generous, Salleh was always willing to share stories of his rivals, triumphs, and the lessons learned from a lifetime spent pushing his body and mind to the limits.
Salleh Wahab passed away in 2021, at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, but his memory endures. Though frail in his final days, his spirit remained strong, surrounded by his family and friends. With eight children, he left behind not only a family but a legacy of perseverance, athletic excellence, and the quiet grace of a man who gave everything to his sport. –DayakDaily
