Biggest ever Singapore delegation to an international short track competition sees impressive medal haul and new personal bests written in Bangkok event
PHOTO: SINGAPORE ICE SKATING ASSOCIATION
Singapore, 3 September 2023 – Singapore clinched a total of 8 medals at the Asian Open Short Track Trophy, the biggest haul since the country started fielding skaters to the competition in 2014.
The competition held in Bangkok, Thailand from 31 August to 2 September 2023 had 113 skaters from 11 countries.
PHOTO: SINGAPORE ICE SKATING ASSOCIATION
Singapore sent 11 skaters, making this the biggest-ever Singapore delegation to an international short track competition sanctioned by the International Skating Union.
Singapore’s youngest development squad skater Raeon Zhang, 9, clinched two silvers for Junior D2 333m and 777m, clocking new personal bests in the process. This was his first overseas outing for an international competition.
PHOTO: SINGAPORE ICE SKATING ASSOCIATION
Raeon was pumped from the experience. “I am so excited to represent Singapore for my first international overseas competition. I am so happy that I got two silver medals and two personal bests as I wasn't expecting any podium finishes. I was just targeting a top 5 finish for all my races. I will definitely aim for a gold for my next competition. So happy to do Singapore proud!”
National squad skater Braelynn Nga, 11, contributed a silver for Junior D 777m. Lavelle Zhang, Loh Geok Qin, Amelia Chua, Keegen Chan and Chloe Luai won a bronze each. The total tally for Singapore is 3 silver and 5 bronze medals.
PHOTO: SINGAPORE ICE SKATING ASSOCIATION
Singapore Team Leader Ms Alicia Tan said: “This is Singapore’s best showing at the Asian Open, and I am very pleased at the fighting spirit displayed by all our skaters. In addition to the medals, our skaters clocked 12 new personal bests during the competition. As the Olympic-sized rink in Singapore has closed, our skaters flew in about a week earlier to access ice training to prepare for the competition. The extra effort plus the will to press on and do their best have paid off.”
SISA is raising funds through the 25th Anniversary Fund to support the ice skating community for overseas competitions and on-ice training during the period there is no Olympic-sized rink in Singapore. The campaign is on Giving.sg at https://www.giving.sg/singapore-ice-skating-association/25thanniversaryfund .
Donations are 2.5 times tax deductible and will be matched under the One Team Singapore Fund (OTSF). Donors who contribute $180 or more will receive a complimentary copy of the SISA 25th Anniversary commemorative book on the history of ice skating in Singapore.
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