TeamSG Swimmers at the Paris Paralympics: What Drives Their Success

As the world of sports eagerly anticipates the next major event, Team Singapore is gearing up for their quest for glory at the Paris Paralympics. With the competition drawing near, Yip Pin Xiu, Sophie Soon, and Toh Wei Soong are preparing to make a significant impact on the global stage. Their journey is a testament not only to their individual dedication but also to the unwavering support from their coaches, families, and the broader sporting community, all of whom play an integral role in their pursuit of excellence.

YIP PIN XIU - Par Excellence

Yip Pin Xiu won her first national-level medal at the 2004 National Swimming Championships in Singapore—a bronze in the 50m Backstroke S3 event.

From that point on, Yip Pin Xiu never looked back.

Double Gold at Rio 2016 (Source: Yip Pin Xiu Instagram)

While the Singaporean swimmer’s talent and hard work began to shine through early in her career, her breakthrough came at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics, where she made history by winning Singapore's first-ever gold medal in swimming. Since that historic moment in the Chinese capital, Yip Pin Xiu has continued to dominate the pool. Her performance at the 2016 Rio Paralympics, where she clinched two gold medals in the 100m and 50m backstroke S2, further cemented her status as one of the greatest Paralympic swimmers of all time. She repeated her success at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, winning another gold in the 100m backstroke S2, proving her enduring prowess and unyielding spirit.

"In my head, I don't define myself as a person with a disability. It’s just a part of who I am," says the 32-year-old who suffers from a neuromuscular disorder known as Charcot-Marie-Tooth, which gradually weakens the muscles. As a holder of two world records gears up for her fourth Paralympics, scheduled in Paris from August 28, she is not leaving any stone unturned. After winning a second gold medal in the European Open Championships in Madeira, she adds, "My main goal is Paris. All of these are just stepping stones for me to reach my peak goal. I’m not losing sight of it and not being complacent. I know I still need to work very hard and I’m going to do my best all the way to Paris.”

Coach Mick Massey, who has been instrumental in Yip’s success, brings a wealth of experience to his role. His approach with Yip involves periodising training plans like those for able-bodied athletes but with a deep understanding of her specific needs. Massey emphasises the importance of communication and trust, noting, “Pin Xiu and I have a great partnership where we trust the process and adapt as needed.” 

Yip Pin Xiu and Mick Massey at the Manchester 2023 Para Swimming World Championships

His proudest moments include witnessing Yip’s world-record performance at the 2015 ASEAN Para Games and the joy of seeing her family’s pride in her achievements. He reflects, "The special moments are often in training, on camps—those personal times that make our relationship unique."

Yip Pin Xiu’s parents, Yip Chee Kiong and Margaret Chong, have been her pillars of strength throughout her life. After she was diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, they were determined to provide her with a normal childhood, ensuring that she was encouraged to pursue her interests despite her physical challenges. They also didn't treat her differently from her two brothers,  “If I fell down, I had to learn to pick myself up. They didn’t believe in mollycoddling me just because of my condition.” 

The four-time world champion says, "Since I was young, I was a very positive person. My parents made sure I had a balanced life, that helped me stay grounded and focused."

And focused she will be as Yip Pin Xiu looks to make a mark in the French capital.

SOPHIE SOON - Next Big Thing

Sophie Soon will join Yip Pin Xiu in Paris and look to emulate her much-decorated fellow countrywoman. Three years ago in Tokyo, she missed out on a medal, finishing fourth in the Women's 100m Breaststroke SB12. But Sophie made up for that loss with her first world championships title at the Madeira 2022 World Para Swimming Championships, earning silver and a new personal best of 1:25.89 in the Women's 100m Breaststroke SB12.

The ASEAN Games gold medalist says, "Sports has the power to empower and encourage everyone to lead a meaningful life. Swimming is so liberating and free. I love to train and  compete. Every race brings me closer to achieving my dreams."

A dream come true - Sophia at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Village (Source: Sophia Soon Instagram)

Sophie Soon’s journey is a testament to remarkable perseverance and the strength of the human spirit. Diagnosed with a rare eye condition early in life, Sophie has overcome significant challenges to chase her dreams with relentless commitment. In addition to her achievements in sports, she is also a Grade 8 violinist, having performed with The Sam Willows at the 2014 President’s Star Charity Show.

What also aids Sophie in her quest to be the best is the competition she faces at home. Her brother, Colin Soon, who also suffers from a visual impairment known as cone-rod dystrophy, is a national-level swimmer and has won several accolades for the country. Their initial struggles motivated their mother, Madam Lee Lay Hong, to attain a master’s degree in special education with a specialisation in visual impairment. She co-founded iC2 PrepHouse, an organisation that supports children with low vision. Speaking about the impact of swimming on Sophie, Madam Lee says, “Sophie used to be somewhat scatterbrained, not very organised, and not very motivated to do many things. But when she started competitive swimming, I noticed a significant change in her. She was motivated not just to swim and train but also in her schoolwork, and she did well in the exam."

Sophie with her younger brother Colin (Source: Sophie Soon Instagram)

Looking ahead to the Paris extravaganza, Sophie seems confident about her chances. She says, "For me at least, I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to the exhilarating feeling of representing Singapore at the Paralympics! To race at the highest level of competition in the world is something I will never take for granted.”

Sophie Soon’s performance at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics highlighted her talent and potential on the world stage. A podium finish in the upcoming mega event would further cement her place in Singapore’s sporting folklore.

TOH WEI SOONG - Nerves of Steel

Like Sophie Soon, Toh Wei Soong also experienced a “so near yet so far” moment at the previous edition of the Paralympics. He finished fourth in the S7 50-metre Butterfly final in Japan, missing out on a bronze medal by just 0.16 seconds.

Toh never succumbed to despair; instead, he channelled his energy into becoming a stronger athlete and pushed forward with determination. At the 2022 Asian Para Games held in Hangzhou, China, he won three gold medals and one silver medal for his nation across four events, becoming the most decorated Singapore athlete at the event. He later shone at the 2023 ASEAN Para Games held in Cambodia, claiming three golds and two silvers, setting new tournament records and a new national record in the process.

(Source: Toh Wei Soong Instagram)

Three years after that heartbreak in the Japanese capital, Toh is looking to make a significant impact on the global stage once again—a challenge he and his long-time coach and mentor, Ang Peng Siong, have taken head-on. The 61-year-old swimming legend has his strategy laid out: “I want to help Wei Soong channel his aspirations to become the best version of himself and improve his processes. He has the ability and potential to outperform his stronger competitors. Hard work, patience, and humility are important values to instil while working towards his goals. For the future, with his aspirations, he can inspire the next generation of Singaporeans to believe that nothing is impossible and pass that baton forward.”

The Winning Team: Toh Wei Soong (sitting) with Ang Peng Siong 

Toh Wei Soong will participate in the S7 50m and 400m freestyle, 100m backstroke, and 50m butterfly at the La Défense Arena, located just outside central Paris. Additionally, Toh has been given the responsibility of carrying the national flag at the opening ceremony on August 28. Speaking to Sports Singapore, the 25-year-old couldn’t hide his emotions. He says, “I am honoured to be the flag bearer for the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. It will be the first time in my 11-year career as a national athlete to do so at a Paralympic Games, and I consider it an outstanding moment in my life. We (myself and other athletes) hope to make Singapore proud and raise this nation’s flag at the Games in August. I want to thank the team behind the team and the effort behind the effort, including the officials, the coaches, the families, and the friends, for being part of our lives and supporting us to make this journey happen.”

Diagnosed with transverse myelitis at a young age, Toh experienced inflammation in his spinal cord, which affected his lower nervous system and restricted the use of his legs. Ang Peng Siong meticulously crafted Toh's training regimen, focusing on enhancing his strengths, technique, endurance, and mental toughness.

“Wei Soong is an inspiration to his peers,” believes Ang, who is aptly nicknamed Asia’s Flying Fish after he became the first Singaporean to hold the world No.1 ranking in 50m freestyle at the 1982 US Swimming Championships. He adds, “Wei Soong has shown true grit and tenacity at major competitions. He is in a better position now compared to my era, especially with the support and resources available to him—something I could only dream of. Therefore, his journey will be exciting and must be approached with an open mind.”

Building a Strong Foundation: The System Behind Singapore’s Para Swimmers

Beyond the support of coaches and family, the foundation laid by institutions such as the Singapore Disability Sports Council and the Singapore Sports Institute has been crucial to the development and success of para-swimmers like Yip Pin Xiu, Sophie Soon, and Toh Wei Soong. These organisations have provided essential resources, training opportunities, and a supportive environment that have enabled these athletes to excel at the highest levels of competition. The trio are also recipients of the spexScholarship, which offers financial assistance, enhanced training resources, and access to sports science and medicine services.

One of the important components of this support comes from strength and conditioning coach Tang Jei Min. Her individualised training programs address the specific physical challenges faced by para swimmers, such as muscle imbalances and limited range of motion. Tang collaborates closely with other coaching and medical staff to ensure a comprehensive support system for each athlete. She notes, “Para swimmers face unique physical challenges, and our goal is to optimise their available muscle groups and improve their overall functionality. This individualised approach is crucial for their success.

Enduring Spirit and Unwavering Support

The stories of Yip Pin Xiu, Sophie Soon, and Toh Wei Soong exemplify the extraordinary dedication and perseverance of Singapore’s para swimmers. Their achievements are a testament to their hard work and the vital support they receive. As they continue to push boundaries and inspire others, their journeys highlight the profound impact of a supportive network and the relentless spirit of these remarkable athletes.

📺 Catch TeamSG at the 2024 Paris Paralympics LIVE on mewatch from 28 August to 9 September, and share words of encouragement on Team Singapore’s fan wall to spur on our athletes!