Champions Behind the Scenes - Eugene Chua

From Foil to Whistle: The Olympic Journey of a Singaporean Fencing Referee

Eugene Chua, in his role as a Fencing Referee in 2022. Photo Credit : Augusto Bizzi & #TeamBizzi

Eugene Chua’s journey in fencing is a testament to passion, dedication, and relentless pursuit of dreams. A former national fencer with Team Singapore, Eugene transitioned from athlete to referee, achieving his goal of officiating at the Olympic Games.

The Beginning of a Fencing Journey

Eugene's fascination with fencing began at Pasir Ris Crest Secondary School in 2001. By age 15, he had already been selected for the Cadet team, and soon after, he represented Singapore in the Senior Junior and Cadet teams. His competitive spirit shone through as he participated in the Men's Foil event at the 2005 and 2007 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. Despite a hiatus during National Service, Eugene returned to the sport, competing until his retirement in 2011.

18-year-old Eugene Chua with his coaches, at a Fencing training camp in Paris, 2006. Photo Credit : Eugene Chua

Transitioning to Refereeing

The shift from athlete to referee started in 2010 when Singapore needed National Technical Officials for the inaugural Youth Olympic Games (YOG). Encouraged by mentors, Eugene took the international rating exams for fencing referees in 2009. His debut at the YOG sparked a new passion, leading him to officiate at several international events, culminating in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

A Commitment to Excellence

Refereeing is often seen as a weekend job, but for Eugene, it became a lifelong commitment. Reflecting on his journey, Eugene said, "Refereeing is never seen as a real job by everyone in any sport. I never thought I'd chase this dream so far." His dedication paid off in 2021 when the International Federation of Fencing (FIE) named him one of the top three referees in the world in the Foil discipline.

 Eugene Chua, officiating at the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2021. Photo Credit : Augusto Bizzi & #TeamBizzi

Balancing Act: Career and Passion

Maintaining a career while pursuing his refereeing dream required sacrifices. The fencing competition season spans nine months, with Eugene officiating at about 10 events globally each year. Recognizing the impracticality of a traditional office job, Eugene became a financial consultant, a role that offered the flexibility needed for his refereeing commitments. "I remain extremely grateful to my wife for her support of my Olympic dreams," he shared.

Preparing for the Paris Olympics

Looking ahead to the Paris Olympic Games, Eugene continues to hone his skills. He stays updated on the latest fencing styles and techniques by watching online competitions and discussing strategies with fellow referees. His dedication extends to his coaching roles at Chung Cheng Yishun High School and Singapore Sports School, where he has nurtured SEA Games-bound fencers.

  (From L to R) TeamSG’s Men’s Foil Team Silver medallists Zephaniah Ian Kiew & Max Neo, with Coach Eugene Chua (Center)) at the Cambodia SEA Games 2023. Photo Credit : Eugene Chua

Impact and Legacy

Eugene’s coaching impact was evident at the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia, where Tiffany Seet won gold in the Women's Foil Team event, and Max Neo and Zephaniah Ian Kiew secured silver in the Men's Team event. His students' achievements highlight the importance of strong coaching and refereeing in fencing.

The Road Ahead

Eugene's journey as a referee has brought him immense satisfaction. "The greatest satisfaction is the knowledge gained about fencing. As referees, we have to make decisions based on the smallest differences," he explained. This precision and understanding have earned him respect in the fencing community.

Looking to the future, Eugene hopes to see fencing gain prominence in Singapore. He advocates for developing a robust pipeline of referees with international experience to elevate the sport locally. "With more well-established referees, our overall fencing levels will improve," he emphasized.

Eugene Chua’s story is a powerful reminder that dreams are achievable with passion, dedication, and hard work. As he prepares for his second Olympic outing in Paris, his journey continues to inspire the next generation of fencers and referees.

Eugene Chua, in his role as a Fencing Referee in 2022. Photo Credit : Augusto Bizzi & #TeamBizzi