Paris 2024: Curtain closes on momentous Games for Singapore

By Patrick Johnston

National records, Olympic firsts, and even a medal - it was quite a 2024 Paris Games for Singapore’s talented, trailblazing athletes.

Kitefoiler Max Maeder won a first sailing medal for the Republic on National Day, taking bronze, Singapore’s sixth ever Olympic medal, and first since 2016.

He, along with Stephenie Chen, who became the first Singaporean kayaker to reach an Olympic final, carried the country’s flag into the Stade de France on Sunday as part of the closing ceremony of a truly memorable Games.

“The team’s performance in Paris has filled our nation with pride and joy,” Chef de mission Tan Wearn Haw said.

“Max’s accomplishment is truly remarkable, leaving an indelible mark in Paris and gifting Singapore a most precious present on our National Day. We are incredibly proud of him and every member of the contingent.”

Singapore's contingent at the Olympic closing ceremony smile, cheer and wave flags to the crowd at the Stade de France.  Photo: Sport Singapore/Andy Chua

Some 23 athletes took part at the Games for Singapore, with 15 making their debut.

Swimmer Gan Ching Hwee was one of the five debutants in the pool, but she showed few nerves as she set new National Records in the women’s 1500 and 800 metre freestyles.

Loh Kean Yew became the first Singaporean shuttler to make the quarter-finals of the men’s singles badminton in 20 years, only falling to eventual champion and close friend Viktor Axelsen of Denmark.

While teammate Yeo Jia Min was so close to matching that performance, having a match point to make the last eight of the women’s badminton singles before a heartbreaking defeat in the last 16. When her tears dry, she too will reflect on a brilliant display in Paris that will give her confidence.

Shannon Tan broke new ground by becoming the first Singaporean golfer to play at the Games, while shooter Teh Xiu Hong was so close to making the final of the women’s 25m pistol on another memorable debut.

A light show takes place during the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics .  Photo: Sport Singapore/Andy Chua

“We are small in numbers, we punch above our weight, and fight with courage and determination,” said Singapore Sports Institute (SSI) chief Su Chun Wei.

“We have shown that a small nation like Singapore is able to compete with the best in the world and give them a run for their money.”

There were also vital Games experience for talented table tennis duo 19-year-old Zhou Jingyi and 18-year-old Izaac Quek, while Singapore’s fastest man Marc Brian Louis sprinted through a heat before injury ended his Olympics early. 

Still, vital lessons for all three.

"Our every success stands on the shoulders of past winners," Dr Su said. 

"I'm pretty sure that these performances here inspire the younger ones.”

With many of Singapore’s athletes having already left Paris, Dr Su and Chef de Mission Tan Wearn Haw, a number of team officials, sports medicine staff and sailor Ryan Lo, who came 25th in the men’s dinghy, joined up with Max and Stephenie as Singapore’s representatives at the closing ceremony.

Tom Cruise walks off with the Olympic flag having abseiled off the roof of the Stade de France during the closing ceremony of the Paris Games.  Photo: Sport Singapore/Andy Chua

They enjoyed an eclectic show of music, dance and light shows at the Stade de France that had the sprinkle of celebrity with Tom Cruise abseiling of the top of the stadium roof to come and collect the Olympic flag for the Los Angeles 2028 Games delegation.

“We are grateful to Singaporeans for their unwavering support, and to the people of France for being such gracious hosts,” said Mr Tan.

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.