Paris 2024: Yip Pin Xiu wins Singapore's first gold of 2024 Paralympic Games

By Nicole Chia

Swimmer Yip Pin Xiu clinched Singapore’s first gold of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games on 29 August (Paris time), delivering a spirited performance to win the women’s 100m backstroke S2 in a closely-contested final. At a packed La Defense Arena, the 32-year-old touched the wall first in 2min 21.73sec – just 0.06 seconds ahead of runner-up Haidee Viviana Aceves Perez of Mexico. Italian Angela Procida was third in 2:24.48.

Yip Pin Xiu with her gold medal after winning the women's 100m backstroke S2 title at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Credit: SportSG/Eng Chin An

Yip, who holds the women’s 100m backstroke S2 world record, had topped the heats in dominant fashion earlier that day. She made a strong start to lead from beginning to end, finishing the heats with a season-best time of 2:18.19 – nearly four seconds ahead of Aceves Perez (2:22.03).

The final, however, was much closer. Aceves Perez, seeking her first Paralympics medal, took the early advantage with an explosive start. Yip drew level near the end of the first lap, fending off Aceves Perez and Procida to wrest the lead just before the turn.

Yip Pin Xiu in action during the women's 100m backstroke S2 final at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Credit: SNPC/Dyan Tjhia

The Singaporean remained ahead throughout most of the final 50m, but Aceves Perez was relentless in her pursuit. The Mexican produced a sudden burst of energy in the last stretch to catch up to Yip and there was little to separate both swimmers as they charged toward the wall. The scoreboard confirmed Yip’s third consecutive victory in the women’s 100m backstroke S2, and her sixth Paralympic gold medal.

Yip Pin Xiu is all smiles after winning the women's 100m backstroke S2 final at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Credit: SportSG/Eng Chin An

An emotional Yip revealed she had no idea how close the race was, saying: “When I came out and touched the wall, I saw the two beside me also touch the wall and I was like, ‘Oh no, what's this?’ This time, our game plan going in was really to focus on our own race, have a plan for the 50m out and then back. I’ve been trained throughout the years not to look at the people around me and to really focus on what I can do and keep the energy there, so I didn’t know how close it was.”

Women's 100m backstroke S2 champion Yip Pin Xiu with silver medalist Haidee Viviana Aceves Perez of Mexico (left) and bronze medalist Angela Procida of Italy. Credit: SNPC/Dyan Tjhia

Describing her finals time as a work in progress, Yip added: “This is the Paralympics; anything can happen and everybody has been constantly training hard. No one really sits on their laurels and (no one is being) complacent, it’s always hard work in progress. The 100m was my pet event, so to get this most important one is like a weight has been lifted and whatever comes (next), comes.”

Singapore’s most decorated Paralympian returns to the pool on 31 August for the women’s 50m backstroke S2 event, where she is the two-time defending champion, world record holder and undoubtedly the favourite. But being hunted is not the main factor that fuels Yip’s drive to succeed. She explained: “I don’t think I keep in mind that I’m constantly at the top and being chased after. What keeps me working hard is just really wanting to be better than I was.”

The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games take place in Paris, France from 28 August to 8 September 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.