Tan Howe Liang, Singapore’s first-ever Olympic medallist, passed away on 3 December 2024 at the age of 91. His death, attributed to pneumonia, marks the end of an era that saw him inspire countless generations of athletes.
A Legacy of Inspiration
Winning a historic silver medal at the 1960 Rome Olympics, Tan held the title of Singapore’s only Olympic medallist for nearly 50 years. His achievement remained a beacon of hope until the women’s table tennis trio – Feng Tianwei, Li Jiawei, and Wang Yuegu – clinched medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Chasing Glory in Tough Times
According to the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC), Tan was described as a sportsman “born ahead of his time,” striving for excellence during a period when Singapore prioritized economic development over sports. Grace Fu, SNOC President and Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, remarked, “Athletes of his generation had much less, but they accepted what they had and trained hard.”
Breaking Records and Conquering Challenges
- Born in Swatow, China, in 1933, Tan immigrated to Singapore at the age of four.
- He took up weightlifting after discovering a strongman competition in 1952.
- Tan broke the clean and jerk world record at the 1958 Commonwealth Games.
- He also captured gold at the 1962 Perth Commonwealth Games.
Impact on Future Generations
Post-retirement, Tan committed himself to nurturing future champions. He trained several prominent weightlifters, including Commonwealth Games bronze medallists Teo Yong Joo and Chua Koon Siong, solidifying his legacy in the sport. “Mr Tan leaves behind a strong legacy. He is still an icon, and a lot of lifters look up to him,” stated Tom Liaw, President of the Singapore Weightlifting Federation.
Tan Howe Liang’s life story is one of resilience and dedication—qualities that Singaporeans continue to admire and aspire to embody.