First Things First, One Step At A Time.

(Feature on Yip Pin Xiu, Team Singapore Para-swimmer)

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When I joined the elite team with the Singapore Disability Sports Council in 2004, training went to a whole new level. I still remember falling asleep in my dad’s car after the first session. However, I found myself totally enjoying it. With the help from my coach and lots of hard work, I won Singapore’s first-ever gold at the Paralympic Games in Beijing. Afterwards, while I continued to work hard in the pool, my focus shifted towards school and my performances suffered. My “wake-up call” was at a meet in 2010 when I achieved such a slow timing it almost made me question my motivation for swimming altogether. But after speaking to my sports psychologist, she made me realise that winning is a journey, not a sprint. She helped me to map out not just my sporting goals, but also my life goals. I realised that having a plan is the key to success and that everything else is just a distraction. Next up? The London Paralympics 2012.

Readiness.

That’s the Singapore Spirit I’m taking to the Games!