Olympics: Singapore's Paralympic duo outdo themselves

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When it comes to outdoing themselves in sports, Singapore's most-recognised Paralympians Theresa Goh and Yip Pin Xiu are known among sports fans for their tenacity to excel.

They head to London for the Paralympics from Aug 29 to Sept 9, as Team Singapore's flagbearer and Singapore's first Paralympic gold medallist respectively.



Thanks to this dynamic duo, the disabled sports scene in Singapore has enjoyed a higher profile as they've claimed major headlines for their exploits, especially at the Asean Para Games and the last Paralympics in Beijing in 2008.

Goh - a multi-medallist at the Asean Para Games - was the first swimmer to represent Singapore at the Paralympics in Athens 2004.

She did not win a medal then but her achievement provided the inspiration for teammate Yip to win Singapore's first Paralympic gold medal four years later in Beijing in the 50m backstroke (an event which is not offered at London 2012 Paralympics).

Goh was fifth (200m freestyle S5 category) in the 2004 Athens Paralympics, and fourth (100m breast SB4) in the Beijing 2008 Paralympics.

At London 2012, Goh and Yip will take part in the 50m and 100m freestyle in the S5 and S3 categories respectively.

Both Goh and Yip have now paired up with a small group of partners behind Swim Champ Kinesis, a brand new company dedicated to teaching the right basics of swimming to anyone from children to the elderly.

Their programmes are based in the new Pasir Ris Swimming Complex where lanes are rented.

Yip said: "We help with marketing, spreading the word. During holidays, we can work there, so again, we're trying some new life skills gained there."

Goh added: "Maybe next time, we hope to help talent scout too, especially when it comes to spotting disabled talent who go to mainstream schools."

Yip is pursuing a Social Sciences degree in Singapore Management University over the coming four years.

With the choice of three majors eventually, in psychology, sociology or political science, Yip wants to "try everything" (her motto in life), ranging from a sports psychologist, to a headhunter, and to even a possible political career as a Member of Parliament or Nominated Member of Parliament.

Yip said: "If I ever decide on something political, issues I'm interested in concern sports, the youth, the disabled community, and the larger community, because Singapore really needs a larger base to produce more talent to keep up with the rest of the world."

Sports is still what Goh and Yip hold close to their hearts.

Sailing is another sport both of them intend to try together as a duo.

As for Goh, she has her eye on taking part in a new sport that will be introduced at the next Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil in 2016 - para-canoeing.

"They haven't started it yet in Singapore, so how do I get started? But canoeing seems fun, and I'd love to start something new for disabled sports in Singapore if I can get some results going and the right support from the authorities along the way."

Given Goh's track record in being a pioneer for disabled sports in Singapore, do not bet against her.

For when it comes to Goh and Yip, they love outdoing and pushing themselves to break new ground in life.

Follow Singapore's Paralympians Theresa Goh and Yip Pin Xiu at the London 2012 Paralympics: