Not only are Theresa Goh and Yip Pin Xiu two of the most recognisable faces in Singapore’s para sports scene, they are kindred spirits as well. Their passion for competitive swimming has brought them together in a world of competition and friendship.
Both of them act as pillars of support for each other, and their close relationship has enabled both of them to grow as swimmers and as individuals. Having a good friend to train together has definitely boosted their spirits up. Both Theresa and Pin Xiu admit that training alone does get boring, so it did improve their attitudes and morale when they had each other to train with.
“I feel that it would have been an entirely different journey if I had to train alone during 2008 Paralympics, but, with Theresa and [my coach] together, training was fun and it was something that I looked forward to.”
Being the older of the two and also the first to integrate into the para sports scene, Theresa naturally takes on the role as an older sister and mentor to Pin Xiu. She looks out for Pin Xiu, and small gestures like putting on Pin Xiu’s swimming cap or helping her out of the water demonstrate the affection Theresa has for her “little sister.”
Pin Xiu also looks to Theresa for advice, comforted to have a close companion who can navigate and lead the way in this territory of para swimming alongside her. “It was very nice coming in with a mentor and an elder sister,” says Pin Xiu. “She has gone through an entire cycle of the Paralympics and she knows what is ahead and it is really good to have somebody to lead you along the way and explore this big dark sea with you.”
The role of a mentor is something which Theresa finds meaningful as well, wishing to pave the way for younger generations of para athletes. She has been offering her help even before taking up mentor skills training.
“I didn’t really have a mentor per se. But there were lots of people offering help. It would have been nice having someone who has gone through the same thing and give some insights on what I had to do.”
Now, Theresa and Pin Xiu have been recognised for their achievements in the para sports scene, each considered an elite in their own right. They have also each earned a Sports Excellence Scholarship (spexScholarship) for their hard work. With continuous support for each other, the two of them will certainly continue to excel and bring Singapore’s para sports scene to the forefront!
Share this post with aspiring para athletes to show them that they, too, can find friendship in the competitive world of para sports.