At an age when most people are slowing down, a trim and spry Sim Han Guan is proving that staying active and fitness goals doesn’t come with any age limits.
At 78, Sim Han Guan — the oldest participant in this year’s HomeTeamNS REAL® Run — is living proof that age is just a number. For him, participating in the 10km race category is not just about crossing the finish line, but the people around him. “You can feel the crowd moving around you, and some people will even encourage you to keep going and not give up. The best part is when there’s so many people running alongside you, you do not feel lonely.”
But it is not just on the running paths where Mr Sim displays his commitment to fitness. On four mornings a week, he heads to the HomeTeamNS Khatib clubhouse swimming pool, powering through lap after lap with an intensity that could rival men half his age. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, he then trades water for pavement, clocking his runs with equal determination. For Han Guan, the clubhouse feels like a second home. It is a place where he has built a routine rooted in lifelong habits, driven by a belief in his axiom, “Sports for life.”
“I have always enjoyed physical activity. When I became a Physical Education teacher, I believed that I had to be a good role model by leading an active lifestyle and keeping fit. This is true until today,” he shared.
Han Guan grew up in a family of ten and playing games such as basketball and table tennis were easily accessible outlets of fun for a boy like him. He remembers fondly that his first table tennis bat was a gift from his school principal, who recognised his interest in the sport and stepped in to make it possible. He went on to represent the school in table tennis, and later in basketball, volleyball, as well as track and field. Through it all, his love for sports remained constant.
That love shaped a 40-year career teaching Chinese language and physical education. As a teacher, his philosophy was to live and lead by example. As a coach, he encouraged all his team members to take part in the school’s annual cross-country run, where he would run alongside them. A firm believer in perseverance, he would tell his team members,“You do not need to win. But you must finish the race.”
After retiring in 2012, Han Guan did not step away from the court or field. He returned to coach basketball, keeping pace with players several generations younger. Today, he continues to teach and coach part-time, driven by the same passion that defined his career. Han Guan shared that he is an honorary FIBA basketball referee and having served since 1982, he is now a referee for life. With pride, he shares that he can still keep pace with the teams, running up and down the court with the same energy and focus as ever.
An avid distance runner, he has completed numerous half marathons and ten full marathons, fulfilling his personal goal of running a full marathon at least once in his life. For Han Guan, running is an act of will. “Running is willpower, resistance, perseverance, and patience.” During his full marathon, the final kilometres tested everything he had. “After a while, it feels like your feet doesn’t listen to you anymore, but I told myself that even if I fail, I must cross that finish line. I’m not comparing myself to others, but I’m comparing myself to myself.” He candidly added that he feels very encouraged and affirmed when younger runners tell him, “Uncle, you are better than me!”
To understand Han Guan’s lifestyle is to understand his appetite for learning, which is an unusual, but beautiful combination of physical and intellectual curiosity. Just as he pushes his limits in the pool and on the track, he stretches his mind by embracing new experiences and mastering fresh skills, proving that true fitness is as much mental as it is physical. He may be known for his athleticism, but he lights up just as brightly when speaking about other hobbies such as gardening, learning new technologies, and especially music — a love he shares with his family. “My son is a pianist. When he was younger, I bought compact disc and tape recordings of classical music for him to listen to. Now I have a huge collection of recordings at home.”
Purpose, for Han Guan, is deeply intertwined with community. In 1971, Han Guan enlisted in the Vigilante Corps under the former Singapore Police Force National Service scheme. After that, he was deployed to the Singapore Civil Defence Force. Those early years taught him the value of teamwork and service, lessons that have stayed with him throughout his life.
That sense of duty continues today. As one of Singapore’s oldest active basketball referees, he still volunteers at community competitions and local games, where players affectionately call him “Uncle Sim.” He takes pride in encouraging others and finds joy in motivating both the young and the old to keep moving and stay healthy.
From the running paths to the swimming pool and the basketball courts where he calls the shots, Han Guan’s story is an inspirational reminder to keep learning and moving forward with purpose. His advice for peers entering their silver years? “Staying active and healthy isn’t only about big changes, it can be small, joyful habits. Start by picking one or two hobbies you truly enjoy, whether it’s brisk walking, swimming, gardening, or listening to music. Most importantly, stay connected. Step outside, explore, and join fun outings!”
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