Pin Xiu Makes A Splash At The Tokyo 2020 Paralympics

Actions speak louder than words, so we'll just let you watch this winning performance by Yip Pin Xiu:

Yes, the 29-year-old who came in first in the 100m backstroke S2 in 2:16:61 last week, has picked up her second Gold medal at this year's Paralympics (and the fifth Paralympics Gold medal in her career) - this time, in the Women’s 50m Backstroke S2 final.

Pin Xiu finished 1st out of 8 with a time of 1:02.04, setting a new Season Best record and successfully defending her Gold medal from Rio 2016.

This effectively cements her spot as the reigning World Record holder for both events. Power sia!

"This year is a bit different in the sense that it is a five-year cycle, and the past two years have been so uncertain. I am really grateful that the Games happened and very grateful that I am sitting here at the end of the day with two gold medals. To me, it feels very special because we've learnt to adapt in the face of uncertainty and I think with the [whole of] Singapore cheering me on, it's been really amazing," says Pin Xiu.

"I do want to go to Paris and we'll see how the next three years turn out. It's exciting, three years is very short, we have to dive straight into it. After all the hard work, after a very tiring cycle, I am still very excited about it."

The best part: Pin Xiu gave us all the opportunity to hear "Majulah Singapura" played during the victory ceremony! 

"We were joking that we’re going to run around the corridor and scream our lungs out, but, really, we'll just hang out with whoever's left in Tokyo!" says Pin Xiu, adding that she is extremely grateful to the Singapore National Paraympic Council, Sport Singapore and everyone who sent supporters to cheer Team SG on in Tokyo. "I will be celebrating with them, and, of course, the swim team as well."

And what's a celebration for a Singaporean (athlete or not) without yummy food? The moment she touches down in Singapore, Pin Xiu says she will zoom in on something definitely local, "like chicken rice! The other day I heard somebody say mee siam - so mmm...!"

Enjoy the taste of victory - and, of course, your well-deserved meal, Pin Xiu!

Team SG rocks!

ICYMI, our para-athletes all flew the Singapore flag high at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Read on and be wowed:

Nur Syahidah Alim | Archery

Singapore’s first world champion in archery didn't make it past the 1/8 elimination round of the Women's Individual Compound Open, but she is taking the positives from this experience and aims to come back even stronger.

Read our piece on Syahdah, "Eyes On The Prize: Syahidah Takes Aim At The Next Game".

Muhammad Diroy Noordin | Athletics

Team Singapore's flag-bearer at the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games clocked a distance of 9.92m in the shot put event, finishing 8th out of 9, and setting a new Personal Best (PB) - twice! - and National Record (NR). His next goal: Paris 2024.

Read our piece on Diroy, "Timeline Of Triumph: Hurling Himself Forward And Further".

Steve Tee and Ang Kee Meng | Cycling

Our cycling duo set two new Personal Best records in the Men’s B 4000m Individual Pursuit Qualifying and the Men’s B 1000m Time Trial Finals, power-pedalling themselves into the Top 10 in both events.

Nur 'Aini Binte Mohamad Yasli | Powerlifting

The Bronze medallist at the 11th Fazza Dubai Para Powerlifting World Cup earlier this year finished in 6th place out of 9 competitors in the Women's Powerlifting 45kg finals, a strong finish in her debut at this level.

Read our piece on Aini, "Steely Resolve: A Display Of Grit And Strength By Para-Powerlifter Nur 'Aini".

Gemma Rose Foo | Equestrian

Together with Gambler, she scored 62.750 points – 7.679 points away from 8th spot. Also amazing was the fact that she scored higher than the 62 points she achieved in Rio 2016, after her usual partner Cassius Royal suffered an injury.

Read our piece, "Yay Or Neigh: Are These Facts About Para Equestrian True?"

Laurentia Tan | Equestrian

Her outstanding achievements at the games - 1 Silver and 3 Bronze medals, meant she was selected as 1 of 6 Paralympic Flag bearers at the opening ceremony. With her steed Banestro, the Paralympics medallist qualified for the Dressage Individual Freestyle Test Grade I finals event where she finished 5th with a score of 75.060 percentage points – 6 points behind the Bronze medal winner.

Maximillian Tan | Equestrian

His long-time partner Don’s Day Dream came out of retirement for Tokyo 2020, and together they finished with an overall score of 61.588 in the Equestrian Dressage Individual Championship Test Grade II event, missing out on the top 8 spot by just 5.236 points.

Sophie Soon | Swimming

Another debutant like Wei Soong, Sophie finished 4th out of 7 in the Women’s 100m Breaststroke Sb12 Finals at her very first Paralympic Games, a mighty achievement. She’s looking to set new personal bests especially for next year's Asian Para Games in Hangzhou and the world championships.

Toh Wei Soong | Swimming

In the Men’s 50m Freestyle S7 Finals, Wei Soong finished 7th out of 8 and set a new National record, smashing the 29-second barrier at this Paralympic Games. All this considering he’s making his debut at the Paralympic Games. Ups lah, bro.

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