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By Patrick Johnston
Long delays, cancelled races, disqualifications - Singapore sailor Ryan Lo had everything thrown at him during his Olympic men’s dinghy campaign.
The 27-year-old Asian Games gold medallist handled it all in a calm and considered manner, though, thanks, in part, to the preparation work he had done with the sports psychologists at the Singapore Sport Institute.
As Ryan sat in the Marseille Marina, reflecting on his 25th place finish at the Games in France, he was appreciative of the support that had helped him become a double Olympian.
“I don't feel very disappointed because when I look back at the journey that I've had and all the good things that have come from that, I take pride in what we have done as a team and people around me supporting,” he said.
“I just feel grateful to have been given this opportunity to represent Singapore at the biggest stage. It's a feeling more of sense of pride and satisfaction.”
Ryan Lo steers his dinghy during the men's Olympic dinghy races in Marseille. Photo: Sport Singapore/Jeremy Lee
Ryan had his patience tested with the final two races of the men’s dinghy cancelled, denying him a chance of making Wednesday’s medal race. Ryan, like all the sailors in Marseille, have been left loitering around the marina looking in vain at weather reports with the lack of wind causing havoc to the schedule.
“For sailors, very unpredictable. Because even though it's the scheduled time, doesn't mean that we're actually going to race at that time, we can be waiting in the water for up to six hours,” said Singapore's joint flag bearer in Paris.
“I think we need to be very good at the waiting game and be very patient and be able to switch on and switch off within a moment's notice. So I use my own strategies I developed with my sport psychologist to help me reset and restart as soon as possible.
“I definitely have developed a lot in terms of how I deal with setbacks. I used to be very emotional about it.”
Ryan Lo stands in front of the Olympic rings at the Marseille Marina after the end of his men's Olympic dinghy competition. Photo: Sport Singapore/Jeremy Lee
During those long delays in Marseille, Ryan spoke to his coach, talked to other sailors, did everything he could but think about sailing.
“We need to reset straight away and just let it go and not keep the negative feelings, because it's very important to keep resetting, even during the race itself.”
Ryan has been sailing since he was seven, inspired to aim for the Olympics after seeing his sister Man Yi win 2005 SEA Games gold in the Laser Radial event and half-brother Jun Hao claim silver at the 2007 SEA Games.
Incredibly, Ryan won a bronze at the Asian Games when he was just 13 years old, going on to win another in the 2018 Asiad as well as four SEA Games golds.
Ryan Lo stands in front of the Olympic rings at the Marseille Marina after the end of his men's Olympic dinghy competition. Photo: Sport Singapore/Jeremy Lee
After the Olympics, his second Games following a 21st place in Tokyo, he plans to take a break to return home to study in Singapore before deciding upon his future. Home comforts are required for an athlete who spends up to eight months a year away from Singapore, training and competing.
He will continue to sail, for leisure, and plans to help young sailors at home in Singapore, with a decision on whether to return to elite competition to be made at a later date.
“It be really nice if I can show to the young ones that I've been through the Singapore system, I’ve done my military service…it's possible for any Singaporean kid to follow this path if they wanted to go into Olympics,” he said.
“There's nothing stopping you. Just have to take the opportunity when it comes to you. If I could inspire and encourage Singapore sailors in general, that'll be really nice.”
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games takes place in Paris, France from 26 July to 11 August 2024. 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.
