Singapore national hurdler Zaki Sapari killed in Valentine's Day tragedy

It was supposed to be a day of celebration, but instead it ended in tragedy for Singaporean hurdler Zaki Sapari and his friends and family.

The 22-year-old full-time military conscript was killed and pronounced dead at the scene when his motorcycle collided with a truck on Mandai Road on Friday evening.

The national record holder in the junior 400m hurdles and bronze medallist at the 2011 SEA Games in Jakarta had been looking forward to competing in next year's SEA Games in Singapore and winning Singapore's first gold medal in the 400m hurdles.

The Singapore Athletics Association and the athletics community were devastated by the sudden loss and released a tribute video to “one of the greatest hurdle talents the Republic has produced in decades”.

“He was a humble and popular young man, which is evident in the great love and the many honors he received,” says the description that accompanies the video.

Fellow track and field athlete and national long-distance runner Soh Rui Yong said: “More than his exploits on the track, I will remember Zaki as an incredibly funny and easy-going guy, but at the same time, he was hardworking and determined when it came to achieving his goals in life.”

110-meter hurdler Hakeem Halim added: “He would have gone far, he had already come so far. For someone so young, so in tune with the world, to go so far, it's just not fair. Not fair. Zaki, you were one of the good ones. May you be in a better place.”

Lu Weiyi: “I always knew him as one of the most humble, down-to-earth, dedicated and hardworking people. But above all, as a great friend. Even though the time we spent together was short, it will always remain in my heart. Until we meet again.”