The moments before stepping onto the starting line are always a significant challenge for any track and field athlete. Some wear headphones, others watch videos, and some chat with coaches to manage stress. For Daryl Tan, calm comes from a very different method: solving a Rubik's Cube.

Daryl Tan has set 18 Guinness records since 2020, nine of which are still recognized today. *The Straits Times*

Tan solves a 3x3 Rubik's Cube in just seven seconds—a personal best and a key to maintaining his composure before races. This is more than a pastime. His passion for speedcubing has earned him 18 Guinness records since 2020, with nine still recognized today.

More importantly, the Rubik's Cubes—over 100 different types he owns—bring Tan pure joy and have reshaped his approach to sports. "Solving Rubik's Cubes taught me to separate my self-worth from results", Tan told *The Straits Times*. "I used to be sensitive to poor performances. But when I view athletics through the same lens as cubing, focusing on the enjoyment and the process, everything changes".

In early 2024, Tan gained attention by running the 100 m in 10,77 seconds, winning a gold medal at the Institute-Varsity-Polytechnic (IVP) athletics championship. This achievement led to the Singapore Institute of Technology student's call-up to the national team—a special milestone after years of relative obscurity.

Solving a Rubik's Cube is Daryl Tan's way of managing stress before competing. *The Straits Times*

Tan's journey with Rubik's Cubes began in his final year of primary school when a friend taught him how to solve one. Learning independently via YouTube, Tan reached the 50-second mark two weeks later. By 2015, he entered his first competition and broke a national record.

Tan spends hours daily learning hundreds of algorithms, mastering Rubik's Cubes from 2x2 to 7x7, solving them one-handed, or tackling complex shape variations. His talent has been consistently recognized by Guinness for unique achievements: solving a Rubik's Cube while hanging upside down, solving two cubes simultaneously while suspended, running 100 m while solving a Rubik's Cube, and solving a Rubik's Cube underwater.

While speedcubing brought him recognition, Tan's athletics path was challenging. He started in long-distance running at St Andrew’s secondary school but admitted he disliked it due to the difficulty. Switching to the 100 m and 200 m, Tan was still frequently defeated at student competitions.

Perseverance, however, brought him success. A turning point came in 2019 when Tan joined the group of coach Benber Yu, mentor to 100 m and 200 m record holder Marc Louis. Three weeks later, Tan achieved a new personal best (PB). "Before that, I always trained alone. With Marc training alongside me, every session felt elevated to another level", the 23-year-old athlete recalled.

Some of Daryl Tan's Guinness record-setting moments.

Now, Tan is ready for the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand, where he will compete in the 4x100 m relay. The team's goal is to break the national record of 39,24 seconds, which has stood for a decade. The six athletes selected for the squad include Louis, Tate Tan, Xander Ho, Yan Teo, Mark Lee, and Daryl Tan.

According to Tan, if everyone performs at their best and executes perfect baton exchanges, breaking the record is entirely achievable. For the athlete and Rubik's record holder, breaking a SEA Games record would be more significant than any previous title.

"I used to be just a spectator at the SEA Games. Now, standing on the track feels truly incredible", he expressed. "It's been nine years of waiting to be here. If I get to run with Marc and my teammates, that will be the greatest moment".

Hong Duy (according to *The Straits Times*)