HIGH PRAISE
(Team Singapore Shine With 33 Gold Medals)
By Jeannette Xavier
Picture by John Heng in Vientiane
The SEA Games in Laos came to an end on Friday (Dec 18) with Team Singapore winning 33 golds, 30 silvers and 35 bronzes and swimmer Quah Ting Wen being crowned the Best Female Athlete.
Top Sports
It was a performance which earned high praise from chef de mission Jessie Phua, especially since some of our top sports such as Sailing, Bowling and Gymnastics were not featured in Vientiane. Sports like Swimming (14 golds), Shooting (six golds) and Table Tennis led the way. Athletes from less established sports like Cue Sports, Boxing, Cycling and Wrestling also shone with some creditable performances.
Individual & Team
Individally, apart from Ting Wen, athletes who stood out included swimmers Tao Li, Zach Ong, Amanda Lim and Lynette Lim; discus thrower James Wong and shot putter Zhang Guirong. Padders Feng Tianwei and Gao Ning (pictured); shooters Zhang Jin, Jasmine Ser and Goh Jia Yi; Billiards specialist Peter Gilchrist; and Silat exponent Rabiatul Adawiyah Bte Yusak also made their mark. There was success in team events too from Wushu, Swimming, Shooting, Table Tennis and Water Polo.