Celebrating Team Singapore’s grit at the Paris Olympics 

02/08/2024

The Paris Olympics is well underway, with 23 of our finest sportsmen and women competing across 11 sports, in our country’s 18th appearance at the games. 

We remember, of course, our nation’s euphoria when Joseph Schooling triumphed in the 2016 Rio Olympics. 

And yet, we are also reminded that our admiration and support for our sportsmen, is not conditional on medal tally or a finish at the podium. We are grateful to our Team Singapore athletes for waving our flag, and giving the best of themselves, showcasing the Singapore Spirit in front of an international audience. 

As we watch our athletes in action, we stand in awe of their grit, perseverance and dedication to their craft. At times, that has included immense personal sacrifices.  

“Terry Hee and Jessica Tan… they had put off their honeymoon for their once-in-a-lifetime chance to qualify for the Olympics when they married in 2021,” shared Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong.  

It paid off, as they became the local-born mixed doubles pair to represent Singapore, added Mr Tong.  

Terry Hee and Jessica Tan displayed their fighting spirit and resilience on court.  

That was just one of the many stories Minister Tong shared over the past week, as he cheers on our athletes.  

Like many of us, he has been following the exploits of Team Singapore since the start of the Games. There is immense pride as we watch Team Singapore battling it out with the crème de la crème of international sport. 

Epee fencer Kiria Tikanah Abdul Rahman, who, despite bowing out in the table of 32, caused an upset when she defeated an opponent 29 places ahead in the world rankings. 

Team Singapore is flying the
(From right) Kiria Tikanah Abdul Rahman and coach Henry Koh, Olympic debutant Gan Ching Hwee and shuttler Loh Kean Yew at the top of his game. 

Swimmer Gan Ching Hwee, whose debut at the Olympics saw her smashing her previous national record in the 1,500m freestyle heats. She many not have secured a spot in the finals, but the young swimmer has already won our hearts. 

Finally, not forgetting badminton darling Loh Kean Yew, who made it to the quarter finals for the first time.  

“He surpassed his performance from three years ago at Tokyo 2021 and demonstrated his unyielding drive to find new ways to win,” said Minister Tong, who is currently in Paris to support our athletes in person.  

Eric Chua and Grace Fu keeping the cheers going for our athletes.  

Also cheering feverishly on the ground are Senior Parliamentary Secretary (SPS) Eric Chua and Minister Grace Fu, who is also the President of the Singapore National Olympic Council. 

“Whirlwind of excitement…I caught Amita Berthier’s nail-biting foil match against USA’s Lauren Scruggs. Proud of her fighting spirit!” said SPS Eric Chua.  

“Cheering on Team Singapore as they embark on their journey at the Paris Olympic Games! Our athletes are already showcasing their dedication, passion, and incredible talent,” said Minister Fu. 

Grace Fu with epee fencer Kiria Tikanah Abdul Rahman. 

We have always been a country that is small in size, but big at heart. We strive for greatness on an international scale. We punch above our weight. That is the Singaporean DNA.  

When we support Team Singapore, when we celebrate the triumphs and the heartbreaks of our athletes, we show heart, maturity, and what it truly means to be Singaporean. 

Photo Source: SNOC/ Kong Chong Yew/ Edwin Tong/ Eric Chua/ Grace Fu via Facebook