Young and Dangerous

I don't know how many of you out there have done competitive sports before. For those who have, you would really know the meaning of winning and defeat, underdogs and favourites.

I was switching channels and happened to see the Sea Games being televised live. At that moment, I saw this 14 year old gymnast by the name of Nicole Tay Xi Hu, crying and clutching her ribs. Later then I realise that she had fallen from the beam while trying to execute a backflip. I swear, it was painful just looking at her fall and her ribs hitting the beam. She was the favourites to win it but luck was not on her side. Every other athletes would have certainly felt down after a devastating fall. She could have felt demoralised and want to give up there and then. All the hardwork, sweat, dedication, down the drain.

But that was not the main reason why I was really proud of her.

Later in the hour, she was on the centre floor doing freestyle gymnastics. And she won gold, beating the favourites. A 14 year old girl competing in a sport that was never dominated by Singapore and the last time Singapore won any medal was 20 years back. That gut and determination was just inspirational to me. Remember, she is only 14. That kind of mental drive and motivation is just difficult to inculcate and develop. And when the National Anthem was being played loud and echoed through the sports hall, my heart just went for her and how deserving the medal that she won.

She reminded me of the time where I had the chance to represent Singapore in the SEA games. I have dreamt of hearing the national anthem being played as I firmly clutch my gold medal for the nation. It's really a shitty feeling to have dominated the sport that you are good in and you just can't represent the nation because of stupid politics. STUPID politics. Sometimes I just feel sad for not being able to contribute to the nation when back then I really knew I could. It was never about the limelight or fame. It was more about bringing Singapore's name up there and making my family and friends proud.

Well, even if I can't represent Singapore, the least I could do is give my moral support to the people who have sacrificed their time and personal life to bring glory to Singapore. This entry is for Nicole.

May the Singapore team bring more glory to the nation.

ja
painful memories