Closing a chapter.
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Every athlete arrives at this certain but reluctant reality eventually, and I’m no different. After 17 years of competitive athletics (13 of which repping Singapore), I think it’s time to take a step back.
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I’ll take with me a lifetime’s worth of highs and lows, and will forever take heart in the fact that I was able to do my bit to help raise the bar in Singapore athletics. I’ll also feel proud of myself for pushing through, no matter how many times circumstances made it easier to just call it quits there and then. Rewriting a 43-year-old record in the 400m, and a sub-59s national record in the 400mH at the Asian Games - a first final for Singapore in more than 40 years too! - I will always remember these as bittersweet; both pain, but also my greatest moments of pride.
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Many factors led me to this, each one making it feel more difficult to put one foot in front of the other. But athletes always look forward, and so am I. I’m hanging up my spikes and calling time on competitive athletics for now, and look forward to the next phase of life: Starting a family with Seng Song will take centre place.
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I’ve always tried to be someone worthy of flying Singapore’s flag on the track, and hope that I’ve done so as well as I could. It’s never been smooth sailing, but it has always been rewarding. I’m thankful for every cheer and encouragement that came from within and beyond the track - they kept me going on for more and longer than you’d know. And to my sponsors over the years: you made it possible to carry on and have empowered me to forge my own path. To my current sponsors NIKE, Pure, and Garmin- your continued support means the absolute world to me.
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To my family, my husband Seng Song, my coach Luis: You kept me going in the darkest of times and I could never thank you enough. .
It’s so long for now for competitive athletics, but I know I could never leave the sport. It’ll always remain a part of me.
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Love, Dips.
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📸: Jason Quah via TODAY, capturing one of my most memorable and happiest moments on the track (400m, 2017 SEA Games).
