Meet Ms. Lynn Soh: The 77‑Year‑Old Taekwondo Titan
Imagine earning a black belt in martial arts in less than three years, snagging a gold medal at a top national taekwondo meet, and climbing the ranks three times in a single lifetime. That’s the story of Ms. Lynn Soh—who did all that at the age of 77.
Her “Game‑Changing” Milestones
- Black Belt in Under 3 Years – Rapid progress that would make any instructor gasp.
- Gold Medal Winner – Clinched the top spot at a national competition.
- Triple Promotions – Earned three double promotions for exceptional technique, attitude, and dedication.
But you’re probably thinking, “Is 77 really that impressive?” Absolutely. And she’s not done yet—Ms. Soh is on the lookout for her second‑degree black belt. With nine dans in total, she’s climbing the ranks like a seasoned pro.
When the Dobok Is Unplugged
Outside the ring, Ms. Soh keeps active with simple yet effective routines:
- Brisk walking around the neighborhood
- Regular float‑around swims
- Stationary bike sessions to keep the cardio up
Her energy level is so high; one could swear she has a personal coach hiding in the shadows.
The Turning Point
Back in her 30s, a demanding role as a senior travel executive left her with barely a moment to enjoy family life or even squeeze in a workout. Even the brief running sessions she attempted in her 40s were floating on the backburner.
Fast forward to her early 60s. A sudden, sudden inability to stand or walk jolted her into a new reality. “My world fell apart that day,” she reminisces. “I didn’t think I’d need a wheelchair or a caretaker. I was determined not to be a burden to my daughter’s family.”
Raging Through the Pain
Diagnosed with sciatica, a nerve pain that radiates from the lower back down to either leg—Ms. Soh’s case landed on her left knee, causing the legs to wobble. Two years of dedicated physiotherapy improved her condition but left a lingering weakness: “I was better yet, I couldn’t squat. It seemed as though my muscles were still weak.”
She faced that challenge head‑on, training harder than ever, proving that age and pain aren’t barriers—they’re just extra weight to lift off.
Takeaway
Ms. Lynn Soh’s story reminds us that fitness isn’t about the years you’ve had but the determination you bring. With grit, a positive attitude, and a spirit that refuses to quit, you can achieve feats no matter how many candles are on your cake.
A turning point
A Night of Destiny
Picture this: it’s 2018, and she’s strolling through Bukit Timah Shopping Centre. Chaos? Nah, just the honky‑tonk vibe of a busy mall. Something clicks.
Spotting the Secret Choreography
- She peeks into ILDO Taekwondo Academy through a shiny glass pane.
- Students are warming up and the moves look eerily familiar—just like the gym routines she’d learned for her physiotherapy.
Curiosity Becomes Action
She Googles it and discovers a surprising fact: taekwondo masters aren’t just about kicks—they’re also versed in physiotherapy and chiropractic care.
“The knowledge that this place actually knows how to keep a body safe was a game‑changer,” she recounts.
Signing Up With a Hesitant Pit Stop
“They asked my orthopaedic surgeon to give the green light before the studio let me try a class,” she says. “They didn’t fully trust me at first, but they eventually gave me the nod.”
Then they set a sensible plan: one hour, once a week.
Solo Road, Fast‑Track Results
Fast forward four months, and:
- She can properly squat—no more awkward wobble.
- The nagging leg and body aches from early mornings? Gone.
- Stairs? She tackles them like a champ.
From Awakening to Accolades
She took her first grading test, bagged a double promotion, and just so happened to zip past the ranks in two or so years.
She earned a black belt and scooped a gold medal at the 13th National Poomsae Championships in 2019.
The Personality Shift
User: “Taekwondo taught me to be more respectful and humble.”
She adds: “I feel sharper, and confidence is now my second name. Whatever challenges come my way, I’m ready.”
Making waves in the community
Ms. Soh: The Senior Powerhouse of Taekwondo
It’s no secret that Ms. Soh’s knack for kickboxing and her infectious enthusiasm have attracted attention. Even the studio’s own senior crowd can’t resist the magic she brings.
From “Oh‑No, I Can’t Walk” to a Whole New Fitness Movement
When she first saw a Taekwondo demo at ILDO, she decided to sign up. Fast forward to today, and her presence has sparked a wave of seniors who want to follow in her footsteps. The studio actually had to launch a brand‑new Silver Class just to keep up!
- “As soon as we advertised the Silver class, the slot filled up instantly.”
- Even her orthopaedic surgeon asked his son to try Taekwondo.
Age Is Just a Number—With the Right Moves
Ms. Soh used to spend a morning gripped by pain, but she’s turned that around for good. Now she’s on a mission to show other seniors that age is nothing but a fresh chapter, not a wrap‑up.
“We’re still in the middle of our lives,” she says, “and being old doesn’t have to mean a constant ache. With a good diet, regular exercise, and a solid sleep routine, we can flip the script.”
Dreams That Keep Growing
She’s got a laundry list of goals—
- Achieve her third dan in Taekwondo.
- Take a cycling tour to fund a good cause.
- Keep pressing on with kick‑boxing.
- Master the art of jiu‑jitsu.
- Try her hand at rock climbing.
And she laughs, “I feel like I’m back in my 40s again! I’ve got fresh energy. Who says you can’t keep moving and grooving in your golden years?”
The Action Plan for Successful Ageing
Singapore’s Fresh Take on Aging: Keeping the Golden Years Glowing
Back in 2015, the Ministerial Committee on Ageing (MCA) launched a roadmap designed to help Singaporeans age with confidence and grace. Then, in 2017, they added a dash of excitement with the “I Feel Young SG” campaign to promote the Action Plan and encourage active ageing. If you’re curious for more details, just scribble the website address into your browser.
Why the Update?
Times change, and so do the needs of our seniors. Covid‑19 introduced new challenges, and today’s seniors are more diverse than ever. The MCA decided it’s high time for a facelift.
Three Pillars of the Renewed Action Plan
- Care: We’re putting the power back into the hands of seniors to manage their physical and mental well‑being. Think preventive health checks, active ageing programmes and top‑notch care services—all aimed at staying healthy and chasing your biggest aspirations.
- Contribution: Seniors get to keep sharing their wealth of knowledge and expertise. A refreshed learning journey, expanded volunteer opportunities, and a renewed employment landscape ensure they stay resilient and relevant.
- Connectedness: The plan supports seniors to age-in-place in an inclusive built environment, while remaining close to loved ones and society through digital platforms and support networks that capture the timeless “kampung spirit.”
Bottom Line
Simply put, the new Action Plan focuses on Health, Engagement, and Community—no joke. It’s all about letting our seniors not just age, but thrive.
Stick around for a heart‑warming story about a 7‑year‑old taekwondo prodigy dreaming of representing Singapore—another inspiring chapter entirely!
Source: The New Paper. Permission required for reproduction.
