Jacquelin Kaur and her mother Melinder Kaur were honored with Youth Achievement Records titles by GenYouth, highlighting their impressive accomplishments. This event took place at Lalaport on 2nd December during the ASEAN Festival 2023. The Youth Achievement Record, backed by the Ministry of Sports, is dedicated to recognizing the exceptional achievements of remarkable young individuals. This initiative aims to celebrate and highlight the outstanding accomplishments of youths who have demonstrated exceptional skills, talents, and contributions in various fields. It serves as a platform to acknowledge and commend the remarkable endeavors of these young individuals, showcasing their dedication and excellence.
Jacquelin Kaur and her mother, Melinder Kaur, are highly accomplished athletes, having secured numerous records in their respective sports. At the age of six, Jacquelin Kaur earned the distinction of being the youngest Malaysian to trek 130 kilometers up and down Everest Base Camp within a seven-day span. Accompanied by her mother, Melinder, she accomplished this feat in September.
Varnam Malaysia got closer with Melinder Kaur, to know more about the experience of Jacquelin at the Everest Base camp and she shared,
During our record attempt at Everest Base Camp, Nepal, Jacquelin managed well despite challenging conditions, including bad weather, flight cancellations, hot days, and cold nights. Jacquelin and I flew to Kathmandu on the 8th of September 2023. On the 9th of September, our scheduled flight to Lukla was canceled due to adverse weather conditions. We eventually arrived in Lukla, the starting point and gateway to the base camp trek, on the 10th of September. Five days later, on the 14th of September 2023, we reached the base camp and began our descent on the same day. Jacquelin and I covered the 130-kilometer distance within 7 days, accompanied by a qualified guide and two porters.
Starting from Lukla, our trek took us through Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Pangboche, Tukhla, and finally to Everest Base Camp at 5,364 meters. Despite the strenuous trek at high altitude, Jacquelin, being an active child who loves walking and playing, remained full of energy even after scaling the base camp. While this high-altitude trek is known to cause difficulties such as breathing issues, headaches, loss of appetite, and acute mountain sickness, thankfully, neither Jacquelin nor I experienced any symptoms, even though we didn’t acclimatize for a single day. We were in good health.
I had trained Jacquelin thoroughly for this challenging, high-altitude trek. Before embarking on the journey, our daily routine included running 7-8 kilometers, climbing stairs, wall climbing, cycling, swimming, and circuit exercises.
Jacquelin’s remarkable talent and strength manifested in her extraordinary achievement at the tender age of six. The fact that she successfully undertook the challenging expedition to Everest Base Camp reflects not only her physical prowess but also her exceptional determination and resilience. Achieving such a feat at such a young age is truly noteworthy, underscoring Jacquelin’s unique capabilities and the support she received from her mother, Melinder.
Followed by that, Melinder, as a former national athlete, received recognition as the unparalleled record holder for the 3,000m steeplechase in Malaysia since 2010, boasting an impressive time of 10 minutes and 55 seconds.
Lt (R) Melinder Kaur, aged 35, is a retired Army Lieutenant, a former national athlete, and a five-time National record holder. She stands out as an athlete who not only strives for national records but also actively raises funds for underprivileged children, setting an exemplary standard for her peers. Here is a list of the national records she currently holds:
1) Fastest woman in the 3000m steeplechase in Malaysia since 2010.
2) Longest distance run on a treadmill, covering 123.85km within 24 hours.
3) Longest non-stop run on a treadmill, lasting 25 hours.
4) Fastest woman to perform 100m forward rolls, coming within 10 seconds of the World Record.
5) Twelve hours of nonstop backward running on a treadmill.
“Additionally, I have leveraged my expertise in athletics to mentally, physically, and emotionally prepare Jacquelin for the record attempt. Furthermore, I played a supportive role during her National record attempt in Nepal”, said Melinder to Varnam Malaysia.
When we asked Melinder about her 3000m steeplechase record back in 2010,
The 3000m steeplechase was my signature event during my tenure with the national team and marked my initial National record breakthrough between 2009 and 2010. I successfully surpassed my own national record four times before retiring from the national team. Notably, this record has been officially ratified by the Malaysian Athletics Federation and, to date, it stands unbroken.
Melinder’s dedication and prowess in the 3000m steeplechase set a benchmark that has endured the test of time. Even after retiring from the national team, her record remains unchallenged, standing as a testament to her exceptional athletic abilities and enduring legacy within Malaysian athletics.
What are your future plans for yourself and Jacquelin?
I am extremely determined to achieve my aspirations, and it has long been my dream to become a world record holder. My pursuit has always centered around setting and breaking fitness records, a journey that demands significant time and unwavering dedication to reach the pinnacle of global excellence. I progress to the next challenge only when I am confident in my abilities, with the ultimate goal of securing at least one world record in the coming year. Currently, my focus lies on enhancing my endurance, strength, and skills.
In parallel, I am considering the prospect of planning another fitness record for Jacquelin, contingent on her positive response. However, recognizing that there is still a considerable distance to cover, I must thoroughly assess Jacquelin’s strengths, weaknesses, capabilities, skills, and talents. This evaluation will guide whether she can attempt unique national records in the future. The journey ahead involves careful planning and understanding, and I am committed to exploring every avenue to achieve these ambitious fitness goals.
GenYouth’s recognition of Jacquelin Kaur and Melinder Kaur with Youth Achievement Record titles is a testament to their extraordinary feats. Jacquelin’s distinction as the youngest to conquer Everest Base Camp at six, and Melinder’s longstanding 3,000m steeplechase record, showcase their exceptional resilience. This accolade not only celebrates individual triumphs but also underscores the powerful synergy between generations, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and familial support in the pursuit of extraordinary goals.
Congratulations to Jacquelin Kaur and Melinder Kaur!
All the information and images received from Melinder Kaur.
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