In a stunning showcase of talent and perseverance, Singapore’s national swimmers excelled at the 33rd SEA Games held in Bangkok, bringing home a total of four gold medals, two silvers, and one bronze on 14 December 2024. The standout star of the day was Letitia Sim, who made waves by defending her title in the women’s 200m breaststroke, setting a new Games record of 2:27.37.
Letitia Sim’s Historic Achievement
At just 22 years old, Letitia Sim secured her place in the history books by becoming the first swimmer to win gold medals in all three breaststroke distances at the SEA Games — a remarkable feat since the addition of the 50m event in 2011. This victory was marked by intense preparation and personal growth, as Sim reflected on her journey: “This means a lot… it’s definitely one of the tougher races for me mentally and physically.”
Singapore’s Swimming Triumphs
- Amanda Lim reclaimed the women’s 50m freestyle title with a Games record of 25.03 seconds, marking her first gold since 2019.
- Teong Tzen Wei and Quah Zheng Wen dominated the men’s 50m butterfly, clinching gold and silver respectively.
- In the men’s 4x100m freestyle relay, the team comprising Ardi Azman, Jonathan Tan, Mikkel Lee, and Quah Zheng Wen secured gold in a new Games record time of 3:16.65.
Challenging Roads and Resilience
Sim’s impressive performance did not come without its challenges; she battled through suspected food poisoning during the competition. Despite these setbacks, her determination to improve showed in her gold medal achievements across multiple events. “I’m just looking to get on that podium at the Asian Games next year,” she stated, anticipating future challenges.
Record-Setting Relay Race
While the women’s 4x200m freestyle team finished fourth, it was notable that Gan Ching Hwee achieved a national record with a split time of 1:59.10, even in the face of a disappointing outing for the team.
As Singapore’s swimmers bask in the glory of their SEA Games performances, the nation celebrates not only their medals but the spirit of sporting excellence they embody. The legacy of these victories promises to inspire the next generation of athletes.