We may have a steadily growing running community in Singapore now with race events occurring every weekend, but things were not looking as great in the past. Athletes from the past generation did not receive as much support (financially and also in terms of supporters at events); many of them had to work to pay for their own trainings and to represent Singapore in the global arena.
With the formation of Singapore Amateur Athletic Association, and athletic clubs like Swift Athletes Association, Singapore gradually gained more recognition in the sports sector and eventually, till today, athletes receive plenty support from government and locals for training and competitions.
Here is a brief infographic running through the years in Singapore:
