NEXT UP... QUAH ZHENG WEN

He’s one of the key men synonymous with swimming in Singapore, and a rising star amongst the sport’s ranks in his own right. This month, we dive into Quah Zheng Wen’s career and all that makes it.

- Adora Wong

In 2015, Quah Zheng Wen competed in 12 swimming events at the 28th Southeast Asian Games and swept up a medal for each one. He won seven golds, four silvers and a bronze. Quah is also a two-time Olympian and one of two Singaporean male swimmers to have qualified for two semi-final berths at the Olympics. Currently an NSF after being granted deferment to focus on swimming for Singapore, the 25-year-old tells us about his experiences as a professional athlete, what’s next for his swimming career, and all the ways in which he tries to lead by example.

What got you into swimming?

My elder sister [fellow national swimmer Quah Ting Wen] was the first in the family to start swimming. My parents had me also spend time in the pool, and eventually decided to [make me pursue the sport seriously] as well. It wasn’t hard to get into as a child. I enjoyed being active and being with friends.

Was swimming something you particularly enjoyed when you first started?

I enjoyed it, but not to the extent I do now. I began to enjoy it more when I got better at it, and started taking more pride in the fact that what I do brings me a lot of joy and satisfaction. It has taken me to places and allowed me to train and race, alongside some of the most impressive athletes in the world.

What’s a record you’ve set so far, that you’re most proud of?

It’d have to be for the 400m Individual Medley at the Southeast Asian Games. It was when I won my very first gold in the Games, so both the race and the record are the most memorable to me.