http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/singapore-s-athletes-hope/1552456.html
As Singapore looks to 2015, Channel NewsAsia focuses on three up-and-coming athletes eager to leave their mark in the sporting arena.
THE SWIMMER
Nur Marina Chan, 17, took up swimming as a recreation when she was just four. And at the age of 12, she plunged into competitive swimming.
She won her first medal in 2013 - four silvers at the Nanjing Asian Youth Games. This was followed by one gold and six silvers at the 2014 Southeast Asia Swimming Championships. At the 2014 Incheon Asian Games, she was in the finals of four events.
Looking ahead, the Anglo-Chinese Junior College student wants an Olympic gold medal but for now, her priority is to qualify for the upcoming SEA Games and World Championships in 2015.
THE TRACK ATHLETE
On land, Shanti Veronica Pereira is making huge strides - literally.
The 18-year-old is the first to smash the 12-second mark in the Women's 100 metres with a time of 11.89 seconds, which she accomplished in 2013 in the heats at the 8th IAAF World Youth Championships.
With that, Shanti is the youngest holder of a national women's record in a track event, but for the Republic Polytechnic student, getting into top form is a priority.
In the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, Shanti made it to the semi-finals of the Women's 200 metres. She also ran in the Women's 4x400 metres relay finals at this year's Asian Games.
She has won medals in competitions like the Ukraine World Youth Championships and Asian Junior Athletics Championships.
THE FOOTBALLER
In a gym at Jalan Besar Stadium, 18-year-old Adam Swandi prepares for his football drills. Not many know that French premier club FC Metz had signed him in February 2013, to play in its under-19 side.
The experience was an eye-opener. "I would have to say the training in Singapore and in France is similar,” said Adam. "But the only main difference is the players’ mentality and how much they want to put into every training."
"Over there, they give a 110 per cent even in training sessions because they know that week in, week out, there will be trials. And if you don't perform, you won't get your place, and slowly you'll not be in the club anymore."
Adam was offered a one-year extension contract after his stint of one-and-as-half-years ended, but had to decline because National Service came calling. Now back home, Adam has joined the Young Lions where he aims to be in the first eleven.
HIGH EXPECTATIONS
These three athletes aim to match the achievements of fellow athletes who have done well in major competitions in 2014. In the 2014 Commonwealth Games, Team Singapore won 17 medals, including eight gold medals.
Looking ahead, Mr Low Teo Ping, vice-president of the Singapore National Olympic Council hopes team sports such as rugby and hockey can also achieve success.
The expectations are now on the athletes to deliver at the SEA Games, which Singapore will host in June 2015.
No comments:
Post a Comment