Former national runner and educator Renuka Satianathan has passed away at the age of 37.
Friends and former students confirmed her death, which occurred on 12 March.
A friend and fellow runner shared the news in a Facebook post the following day, expressing his deep sadness at her passing.
He recalled running numerous races with her since her secondary school days.
According to para-athlete Md Shariff Abdullah, who shared wake details on Facebook, Satianathan was born in November 1987.
She was cremated at Mandai Crematorium on Sunday, 16 March.
In his tribute, Md Shariff described her death as shocking and deeply saddening.
Another former national runner, Muhammad Shah Feroz, remembered her as “sweet”, “caring”, and “bubbly and lively” with an infectious energy.
In an Instagram post, he wrote that there was “never a dull moment” with her, and her kindness was “effortless”.
Expressing his grief, he added, “I still can’t accept that I just sent you on your final journey. Gone too soon, but never forgotten. Rest well, my friend.”
Satianathan also left a significant impact as an educator. A former student from Innova Junior College, where she taught General Paper, described her as more than just a teacher.
In a heartfelt tribute, he wrote that she was “a guiding force of intellect, warmth, and unwavering belief in her students”.
He recalled how she helped shape their thinking, writing, and engagement with the world, stating, “I can never fully repay the care, kindness, and wisdom she so generously shared, but I will spend my life honouring her memory.”
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Satianathan had a distinguished career as an athlete. She represented Singapore at the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in 2011 and 2015.
At the 2011 SEA Games, she competed in the women’s 10,000m race, finishing fifth.
Four years later, she took part in the women’s 5000m event at the 2015 SEA Games, which was hosted by Singapore, as noted by Singapore Athletics.
Between these two competitions, she pursued further studies and obtained a master’s degree in applied linguistics from Australia.
She then took up a full-time teaching role at Innova Junior College. She was also listed as a General Paper teacher at Eunoia Junior College.
Satianathan’s passing has deeply affected those who knew her, from the running community to her students.
She is remembered for her passion, kindness, and the lasting impact she had on both athletics and education in Singapore.
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