Singapore’s 12 Must‑See Stars Set to Spark the 2018 Asian Games
Hey sports fans! The Asian Games are about to light up the continent on 18 August, and Singapore is ready to bring not just medals, but style and swagger. Below is the ultimate squad of swimmers, runners, and badminton champs who’ll be battling it out for glory while showing off their swag on the sidelines.
Who’s who in the Singapore squad?
Swimming Heat‑Contributors
- Joseph Schooling – The “Speedy Gonzales” of the pool, re‑igniting gold after London 2012 and demanding everyone watch the “Waterfall”.
- Lee Chi Ran – The bubbly striker who keeps the crowd squealing for double‑lap spectaculars.
- Jeremy Yeo – Master of the ‘backstroke with a surfboard’ style, he’s a giant in a foam seat.
- Sylvia Ng – Queen of kick‑flame, she’s got the wind‑breakers that look like her T‑shirt and a face that can cool a tsunami.
- C.N. Chia – The who‑whatsis of the swimmers, a sun‑lit-bodied legend with a splash‑free smirk.
Track‑and‑Field Rockers
- Heath Kang – Sprinting with a rush of caffeine-fueled energy that could power a traffic light.
- Shinete Chen – Long‑jumping out of the deep‑sea of competition, her curve makes the moon jealous.
- Yun Li Wei – Speed downhill, fast forward, this athlete’s talent keeps the world in heat, distracting everyone from the lights.
- Megan Tang – The unbeatable knee‑and‑jerk surgeon, with a perfected dance move which even the birds admire.
Badminton & Strength Stars
- Firdaus “Smash” Shah – A badminton superstar fire‑musty, who’s a playful competitor to bring precision and entertaining badminton gig.
- Aileen “Iron” Tan – With her iron body and singing voice, she’s clean and pure, and the battle crowd at the weightlifting.
All these athletes will be making their mark in the slick and sizzling pages of the Asian Games. Keep a lookout for their majestic personal moments and watch as they blend sports talent with hip vibe. You won’t want to miss the Singapore Bah!
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Singapore’s Swim Superstar: Joseph Schooling
Ever heard of Singapore’s first Olympic gold‑medal winner? That’s Joseph Schooling, the man who turned his dream of flying into a splash‑tastic reality. He’s not just a fast swimmer; he’s a laid‑back, family‑loving legend who keeps his cool both in the pool and out of it.
What’s on his radar for the next Olympic Games?
- 100 m Freestyle – the sprint that sets the scene.
- 50 m Butterfly – short, sweet, and striking.
- 100 m Butterfly – a longer version for the brave.
- Men’s 4×100 m Freestyle Relay – teamwork makes the dream work.
- Men’s 4×100 m Medley Relay – where different strokes come together.
Watch the action unfold from August 18–24 as he swims his heart out for the nation.
Other Stars in the Spotlight
And don’t forget Nurul Suhaila Mohd Saiful, who’s taking care of her game in Pencak Silat – a martial arts discipline that’s as fierce as it is graceful.
Meet Suhaila: The 23‑Year‑Old Instagram Champion
Picture this: a 23‑year‑old who can fight like a champ and slay the fashion game all at once. That’s Suhaila for you—rising stars of the silat scene and a click‑worthy presence on Instagram.
What makes her stand out?
- Her reputation in silat: She follows in her siblings’ footsteps and has proudly carried the national flag many times.
- Social media charisma: Her Instagram feed is always on point; makeup, workout faves, and those “just got back from the gym” vibes.
- Ring‑ready credentials: Suhaila is no stranger to the podium. She snagged a bronze medal at last year’s SEA Games in the Women’s Tanding Class D (60‑65kg).
Why she’s a fan favourite
Between the punches in the bootcamp and the flawless looks on her phone, she’s got a mix of grit and glam that pulls people in. Fans love when she scores a win and shares a tutorial for a “day‑in‑the‑life” look.
Fun fact: Under the banner of ‘badge‑collector’, her trophy shelf is already shining bright.
Swim‑Star Spotlight: Quah Zheng Wen
Photo: @QuahZhengWen
When it comes to blazing lanes and raising the Singapore flag, Quah Zheng Wen is a name that rings true.
This U‑S‑based relay hero isn’t just a flash in the pan – he’s a multiple SEA Games gold medallist and once made it through two Olympic semi‑finals back in Rio 2016. That’s more than a few blister‑fresh accolades!
What’s on the Agenda?
He’s gearing up for a six‑event sprint at the Asiad, and the star‑studded 4x100m medley relay will feature his teammate Joseph Schooling. Expect jaw‑dropping turns, geysers of effort, and an overall splash that will leave the crowd buzzing.
- 100m butterfly
- 200m freestyle
- 400m individual medley
- Mixed 4x100m medley relay (with Schooling & crew)
- Men’s 4x100m medley relay
- Swim‑off for 50m freestyle lane selection
We can’t wait to see his toned chassis in action – the kind that makes the water look like a glittering ribbon of pure energy.
4. Michelle Sng (Athletics)
While we’re riding the wave of Quah’s aquatic triumphs, let’s also tip our hats to Michelle Sng, Singapore’s own track‑and‑field wizard poised to sprint into her own spotlight.
Meet the High‑Jump Queen: Michelle Sng
Picture‑Perfect Power – Not only does Michelle look like a model, she’s also the national high‑jump record holder. It’s the perfect combo of style and strength!
Golden Moment at the SEA Games
- 2017: She became the first Singaporean female high jumper to seize gold at the SEA Games.
- 52‑Year Gap: Her triumph ended a half‑century pause for Singaporean women in this event.
Why Fans Can’t Wait
- She’s going head‑to‑head against her own record in the upcoming high‑jump competition.
- Expect the sky to be the limit – and maybe a few extra celebratory donuts.
Spotlight on the Paddle‑Paddle Champ
While Michelle’s shoes are poised to hit new heights, Brandon Ooi is paddling his way to success in canoeing. He’s the next big name to watch next!
Meet Brandon Ooi: The Canvas of Athletic Artistry
Picture this: a lean, muscular man grinning at a camera, and you’re looking at Brandon Ooi – Singapore’s own “Hot Bod” hero. His shape has caught The Straits Times’ eye, landing him spotlights in the Hot Bods column.
But he’s not just a poster boy. With a background in canoeing, he paddled his way onto the 2010 Youth Olympic Games field, proving he can wield both a paddle and a pencil (for his studies) with equal prowess.
What He’s Done (and Gone)
- Model Offers: Multiple agencies knocked on his door. He politely said, “Not today, thanks!” to keep his focus on academics and athletics.
- Adored by Fans: A Tumblr fan page exists solely to celebrate his six-pack aesthetic and paddle skills.
- Academics First: He balances schoolwork with training, proving you don’t have to sacrifice books for biceps.
And the “6.” — A Quick Roster Teaser
Switching gears, let’s give a shout‑out to Emmanuel Ryan Paul, the climbing champ shaking the rock scales in the sport climbing arena. Keep an eye on him – the next big name in grip strength is on the climb‑board!
Emmanuel Takes the Climb to the 18th Asian Games
Meet Emmanuel – a 19‑year‑old sport climber ready to
make his debut in the Asian Games and bring a whole lot of teenage charm.
He’s got that teen‑idol look that’ll have fans swooning all over the
competition.
When & Where
- Sport climbing events: August 20‑25
- Venue: Asian Games Climbing Hall
Notable Fellow Competitors
- 7. Veronica Shanti Pereira – Athletics
Why You’ll Love Watching Emmanuel
Expect a mix of high‑energy climbs, heartfelt moments, and a dash of
young‑star charisma that makes you root for him every time he tackles a new
route. It’s more than just a sport – it’s a full‑on, adrenaline‑filled love‑fest.
Singapore’s Sprint Queen: Shanti’s Sprinting Saga
Photo: Instagram/Veronica
Last year at the SEA Games, Shanti shattered the women’s national 100‑meter record with a blazing 11.73‑second finish, beating the old mark of 11.80 s. She’s been dubbed “Singapore’s sprint queen,” and she’s proving the nickname’s not just a fancy title.
Race‑to‑Race: Her 2024 Line‑up
- 100m dash – the classic sprint where every millisecond counts.
- 200m sprint – double the distance, double the drama.
- 4x100m relay – teamwork with a splash of adrenaline.
Not Just About Speed
While Shanti’s eyes are on the track, the national squad also features the formidable Ooi Yee Jia—our very own water polo ace, ready to dive into action. Together, they represent the diverse spirit of Singapore’s sporting talent.
Stay tuned; this season’s sprint stories are bound to keep you on the edge of your seat!
From Cute Waterboy to SEA Games Champion – Meet the NUS Undergrad Rocking the Asiad Prep
Ever spotted a guy juggling water bottles and flexing his abs in the same breath? Meet the “Waterboy” who’s turned heads on Instagram (Shout‑out to Yee Jia for the pic).
What Makes Him Stand Out?
- Cutness Meter: Off the Charts – A natural smile that could melt a winter landscape.
- Ripped Physique: Gym Bro’s Dream – Said the gym even fumes “feel more recycled.”
- Championship Glory: SEA Games 2023 – Bossed the competition with his teammates, bringing the gold back home.
Training in the Ticket to the Asiad
After clinching the medal, he didn’t take a break. Instead, he dove back into a rigorous routine with his squad:
- Morning curls at sunrise – because sweat doesn’t brew itself.
- Evening obstacle courses that test speed, agility, and the ability to dodge (yes, even the occasional paper bag).
- Weekly friendly matches, proving that teamwork is still the best cardio.
Why We’re All Fanatic
He’s not just an athlete; he’s a reminder that dedication + humor = unbeatable combo. While he’s lifting weights, he’s also lifting spirits — an “injury‑free” problem solver for teammates!
And if you’re wondering who’s the other star – Myra Lee of diving, joining the squad for a splash of talent!
Meet Myra Lee: Singapore’s Gymnast‑turned‑Dive‑Master
Got a quick peek? The snapshot on Instagram shows Myra Lee mid‑air, a splash of confidence and a splash of water. It’s the kind of photo that makes you wonder, is she doing gymnastics or jumping into a pool? The answer? Both!
From Flipboards to Flip‑somersaults
Back in 2010, Myra was already making waves—well, literally—in the Youth Olympic Games, rocking her country’s flag in diving. Fast forward a few years and she’s racked up not one, but two SEA Games medals for Singapore, turning her athletic dreams into icy‑blue reality.
Catch the Action at the 2018 Asian Games
- Dates: August 28 – September 1, 2018
- She’ll be performing at every splashy event, bringing a mix of finesse and heart to the competition pool.
- Keep an eye out for the crowd cheers—her performance is so good, you might want to shout “Go, Myra!” over the sound of splashing water.
Other Highlights
As a side note, check out number 10 on the tally—Muncherji Zubin Percy from Athletics. Redefining speed and style across the track.
Meet Zubin – The 400m Record‑Holder with a Model‑Like Stature
When it comes to speed and style, Zubin is a one‑person powerhouse. Born into a family that loves sports, the 22‑year‑old sprinter has already owned the 400m track, setting a jaw‑dropping record that’s got everyone talking.
What Makes Zubin Stand Out?
- Model‑Hot: With a height of 1.88 m, Zubin’s presence on the track is as striking as a runway model. Heads turn from the moment he steps onto the field.
- Sprint Skills: He’s not just about looks—Zubin’s feet are rocket‑powered, closing in on the finish line faster than a cheetah on a coffee break.
- A Winning Spirit: Growing up surrounded by athletic support, Zubin turned that energy into a championship mindset.
Upcoming Event: The 400m Race
Get ready to witness Zubin sprinting the length of the track in the next championship. With his record‑breaking speed and a flair that makes the crowd cheer, it’s a race you won’t want to miss.
Special Mentions
- Timothy Lee – Diving Enthusiast
- Mark Lee – Diving Specialist
Catch all the action and enjoy the blend of speed, style, and sheer athletic charm that Zubin brings to the sport!
Meet Singapore’s Dazzling Diving Twins
Two identical faces, but one unmistakable mark
Ever wondered why you keep seeing the same splash over and over? It’s not a glitch—it’s Timothy and Mark Lee, the country’s most talked‑about siblings in underwater gymnastics. If you’re trying to tell them apart, just look for Timothy’s tiny mole right above his brow.
Gold‑sized Moments
- Bronze medal at the Fina Diving Grand Prix in Singapore last November.
- Now gearing up for their Synchronised 3m Springboard contest this August.
- Known for matching head‑butts and perfect timing—those twins really lift their punches.
Fans can expect thunderous cheers and a splash of brilliance as the twins decide who will be the maître d’ of the diving board. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or just getting your first crack at the sport, spend a few moments watching their triumphant synergy—because this August, it’s going to be a double dose of spectacular ends.
