Singapore’s first-ever Paralympic gold medallist, Yip Pin Xiu, returned home from Paris with two gold medals in the women’s 50m and 100m backstroke events. Speaking at the start of her victory parade on 14 September, Yip described her wins as “phenomenal.” She expressed the difficulty of maintaining her top position in these events for nearly nine years and emphasised her desire to set new goals beyond just repeating past successes. “I’m extremely happy to do this for Singapore once again,” she said, reflecting on the hard work that led to her victories.
Background
Yip Pin Xiu, a five-time Paralympian, has consistently demonstrated her prowess in swimming, having previously won two gold medals in both the 2016 and 2020 Paralympic Games. Her recent victories in Paris mark a historic three-peat in the 50m and 100m backstroke events, solidifying her status as a dominant force in her sport. Despite her success, Yip remains focused on future achievements and refuses to rest on her laurels.
Dealing with fear
Despite her impressive track record, Yip admitted to experiencing significant anxiety before her races. She revealed that she had many sleepless nights due to “sleep obsession,” a condition where one becomes fixated on falling asleep but fails to do so. To manage this, Yip employed various techniques, including breathing exercises, guided meditation apps, and reading. “Hit-and-miss, sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t,” she said. Her pre-competition routine, which spans almost three hours, includes warming up at the pool and wearing heated socks. Music also plays a crucial role, with her “Warrior Brain” playlist featuring artists like Sabrina Carpenter and Taylor Swift. Ultimately, Yip believes that acknowledging and managing fear and stress is key to performing well. “Feel the stress, do what you need to do,” she advised.
Victory parade
The victory parade saw all 10 of Team Singapore’s Paralympians in attendance, including silver medallist Jeralyn Tan. Tan made history by winning Singapore’s first-ever Paralympic boccia medal and is the nation’s fourth Paralympic medallist. Speaking to the media, Tan expressed her ambition to compete in the Los Angeles Paralympics in 2028 and win a gold medal for Singapore. She also took the opportunity to thank her supporters and encourage aspiring athletes to “work hard, never give up, and keep going.”
Future aspirations
Yip Pin Xiu’s determination to set new goals and not limit herself to past achievements highlights her relentless pursuit of excellence. Her victories in Paris are a testament to her dedication and resilience, but she remains focused on what lies ahead. As she continues to inspire both her teammates and aspiring athletes, Yip’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance and the willingness to embrace new challenges.
