Team SG Shines at Para Swimming World Champs 2022
What a whirlwind of triumph for our Team SG contingent in Madeira, Portugal! The week was packed with victories, feels, and a dash of proud‑muckiness.
Pin Xiu: Double Crown Queen
Yip Pin Xiu kept her reign alive by defending the Women’s 100 m backstroke S2 title and grabbing a second gold in the Women’s 50 m Backstroke S2. The 30‑year‑old, a five‑time Paralympic gold medallist, laughed about the pressure: “Every race is a checkpoint. I know what I have to tighten up next.”
- “I’m thrilled with my times.”
- “But each competition shows me exactly what to focus on.”
- “Next year’s agenda is full of fresh challenges—ASEAN Para Games and an Aussie meet.”
- “I’m grateful for every bit of support. The journey is tough, but gratitude keeps my fire alive.”
Sophie Soon: Silver and a New Asian Record
Meanwhile, Sophie Soon added a shiny silver medal to her bag in the Women’s 100 m Breaststroke SB12. It was her first ever world‑championship medal, and she didn’t stop there—she posted a personal best of 1:25.89, smashing the previous Asian Record (1:26.18, set by China’s Cong Rui back in 2004).
Sophie’s grin: “Winning a medal felt like destiny slipping into reality. The last three years were a dry spell—no personal bests, no results. But finally hitting my PB was the triumph; the medal? Just the cherry on top!”
What’s Next for Team SG?
The team is buzzing with excitement. With the ASEAN Para Games on the horizon and a meet in Australia, there’s no shortage of goals, growth, and grit.
All in all, this week proves Team SG is riding high on teamwork, tenacity, and a sprinkle of humor.
<img alt="" data-caption="Wong Zhi Wei and Colin Soon during practice.
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Swim‑Slam Records: A Moment of Madness at the Paralympics
Grab your swim caps, because the men are turning the pool into a podium of pure triumph. Colin Soon just smashed his own record in the Men’s 100m Backstroke S12, proving that falling backward can still take you forward. Meanwhile, the double‑dynamic Wong Zhi Wei couldn’t resist a double‑whammy of personal bests, slashing times in both the Men’s 100m Butterfly S13 and the Men’s 400m Freestyle S12‑S13.
- Colin Soon – Personal Best: 100m Backstroke S12
- Wong Zhi Wei – Personal Bests: 100m Butterfly S13
400m Freestyle S12‑S13
It’s a reminder that every splash counts, and each new record is a wave of celebration for the athletes, their coaches, and everyone who cheers them on. Who’s ready to dive into the next medal round?
<img alt="" data-caption="(Clockwise from left) The quartet of Sophie Soon Jin Wen, Colin Soon Jin Guang , Wong Zhi Wei and Yip Pin Xiu.
PHOTO: Facebook/SingaporeDisabilitySportsCouncil” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”a4757632-4f52-4ffe-95b6-7acd622eb885″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/zhiwei.jpg”/>
Team SG Rocks the Sea Games: 2 Golds, 1 Silver, 6 PBs & Record‑Breaking Wins
What a splash! Team SG returned from the SEA Games boatsladen with triumphs and a glittering medal bag. Their athletes not only crossed the finish line but also wrote a new chapter in the record books. Here’s the low‑down on their stellar performance.
Medals, Records & Personal Bests
- Gold Medals: 2
- Silver Medal: 1
- Personal Bests: 6 ⏱
- Championship Records: 2
- Asian Record: 1
Every one of these feats is a testament to the grit, grace, and sheer muscle of our para‑athletes. They came, they swam, and they dominated.
Why This Is a Game‑Changer
- Record‑Smasher: Breaking championship and Asian records means our athletes are setting the bar for future competitors.
- Speed Demon: Six personal bests show that they’re on a trajectory of continual improvement.
- All‑Star Show: With two golds and a silver, the team’s medal haul tops the leaderboard, drawing applause from fans and officials alike.
Next Stop: Paris 2024
With these achievements, we’re not just celebrating; we’re gearing up for the ultimate prize. The athletes who have already proven themselves at the SEA Games are now on track to qualify for the 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris. Imagine the splash when they hit the French waters!
Let’s keep cheering on these champions as they polish their strokes and aim for Olympic glory. Team SG, you’ve turned the SEA Games into a glittering splash of talent—now let’s make Paris our next big wave!
