Breaking Barriers - National Hurdler Kerstin Ong on Burnout, Balance and Redefining Success: Fit Talk Podcast with Chermaine and JX [Ep 9]

How Singapore’s record-breaking hurdler juggles a corporate career, elite training, and mental resilience

PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG / HANA BASIR

What does it take to break a national record while working a 9–5 corporate job? In the latest episode of the Fit Talk Podcast with Chermaine and Jiaxuan, national 100m hurdler Kerstin Ong shares her journey of chasing excellence on the track, in the workplace, and in life.

From battling burnout and imposter syndrome to rewriting the definition of success for herself, Kerstin’s story is a powerful reminder that true strength goes far beyond medals and milestones.

Life Between Lanes and the Office

“It’s really like living two lives in one day,” Kerstin laughs when asked about her schedule.

“I’ll be in the office in heels from 10 to 5, then straight to training in spikes till late at night. It’s exhausting, but it’s also taught me discipline, resilience, and how to make every hour count.”

PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG / JOHN YEONG

As a self-described “corporate girl + athlete”, Kerstin admits the label started as a playful way to explain her double life, but it has since become her identity.

“I never wanted to choose between career and sport. People say you can’t give 100% to both, but I believe balance is possible when you know your why,” she shares.

Burnout, Pressure and the Power of Support

When asked about burnout, Kerstin is candid: “Of course I’ve hit burnout. There were days I questioned if it was all worth it. But I realised rest is not weakness. Rest is part of training, part of growth.”

PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG / JOHN YEONG

She credits her family, teammates, and colleagues as her safety net. “It really takes a village. My parents have been my rock, my coach believes in me when I don’t, and my colleagues cover for me when I need to take leave for races and support me through my times of absence. That support keeps me grounded.”

Imposter Syndrome and Redefining Success

For many young listeners navigating career or personal struggles, Kerstin’s reflections hit home.

“Imposter syndrome? Definitely,” she admits. “In sport, you’re always measuring yourself against the clock. In the corporate world, it’s promotions and titles. But I’ve learnt to redefine success — it’s not about external validation. Success is showing up for yourself, even on hard days.”

PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG / HANA BASIR

”I have been trying to qualify for the SEA Games ever since 2015. It was a case of repeating the same heartbreak every 2 years and the more time passes, the more I began to doubt myself and wonder if I should just give this dream up," she reflects.

”But now that I've attained this target, I am beginning to become hungrier and want to see if I can challenge myself to do even better."

Breaking Records and Preparing for the 33rd SEA Games

Kerstin recently shattered the Singapore women’s 100m hurdles national record, earning her place at the SEA Games.

“Crossing that finish line and seeing the time — it was surreal. But more than the record, it was proof that the grind, the sacrifices, the late nights… they add up.”

PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG / JOHN YEONG

As she prepares for the Games, she focuses on both body and mind. “Physically, it’s all about sharpening technique and speed. Mentally, it’s about staying calm, visualising, and reminding myself why I started.”

Advice for the Next Generation

Her message to younger athletes and working women is powerful:

“Don’t let medals, promotions or titles define your worth. You are more than your resume or your race times. The hurdles you overcome off the track are just as important as the ones on it.”

🎧 Listen now to the full episode of Fit Talk Podcast with Chermaine and Jiaxuan featuring national hurdler Kerstin Ong — streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

Because success isn’t just about finishing first — it’s about showing up, pushing through, and leaping over life’s hurdles, one stride at a time. #FitTalkPodcast #TeamSG #RoadToSEAGames