Hangzhou 2022: Swimmers eye medals after making opening splash

By Patrick Johnston

Singapore’s swimmers produced a strong showing on the opening night of action in the pool, claiming a national record and two fourth place finishes as they eye Asian Games medals later in the week.

Gan Ching Hwee came closest to becoming the first Singaporean on the podium at the 2022 Asian Games as she finished fourth in the women’s 1500 metres at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Aquatic Arena on Sunday (Sept 24).

“I gave it all that I could,” said Gan. “I was in contention for a medal and that was the goal for today, but obviously I didn't make it so I'm a little bit disappointed.

“I just have to put this aside and focus on my other races.”

Gan will be lining up in the 200, 400 and 800m freestyle individual races later in the week.

Also competing on Sunday, but with an eye on future, favoured pet events, was Jonathan Tan, who secured sixth with a time of 48.94 in the men’s 100 metres freestyle.

“I was quite close to my personal best,” he said. “I’m just going to move on and focus on my next races. I think it was a good warm up, getting a feel for the pool, the crowd and just hope for the best tomorrow (in the 50m freestyle).”

Letitia Sim dives into the pool to start her 50m women’s breaststroke final at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Aquatic Arena on Sunday (Sep 24). Photo: SNOC/Andy Chua

Letitia Sim broke the national record as she finished seventh in the women’s 50m breaststroke. Encouragingly, she felt there was plenty of room for improvement as she looked forward to the 100m race later in the week.

“I’m happy with the swim overall,” she said after clocking a time of 31.05 seconds, shaving 0.01 off her previous record mark.

“That sets me up really well for the 100. I’m trying to get all the mistakes out on the 50, because there is really nothing for me to lose. It’s not an Olympic event, I can’t qualify for anything, just go out and race so I’m really glad that it sets me up.”

The women’s 4x100m freestyle team were also left feeling pleased with their Sunday evening efforts in Hangzhou. The quartet of Quah Ting Wen, Quah Jing Wen, Nur Marina Chan and Amanda Lim claimed fourth, just pipping the Philippines in a tight battle.

The team’s time of 3:44.16 was actually faster than the one set en route to claiming SEA Games gold in Cambodia earlier this year.

“Fourth in Asia is pretty darn good, right?” said the older Quah sister.

“It would have been really nice to medal, that is what we are all here for. But I can walk away from this race, also potentially my last Asian Games, knowing that I did everything I could in today’s relay and I’m proud of myself and the rest of my team mates.”

Quah Ting Wen and Quah Jing Wen lead the celebrations as Amanda Lim touches in to claim fourth in the women’s 4x100m freestyle at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Aquatics Arena on Sunday (Sep 24). Photo: SNOC/Andy Chua

It was a busy evening for Quah Jing Wen, who also claimed fifth in the women’s 200m butterfly with a solid time of 2:10.13.

The 19th Asian Games are held in Hangzhou, China from 23 September to 8 October 2023. For the latest Team Singapore coverage and news, follow Team Singapore on their social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) or visit the official Team Singapore website.