S'PORE OFFICIALS MAKE MARK

More than 10 are involved in Olympics as judges, umpires and support staff

- David Lee and Kimberly Kwek

There is no room for a lapse in focus for Sng Puay Liang, as a split-second decision can make the difference between gold and silver, or a medal and going home emptyhanded at Paris 2024.

While the 54-year-old is not among the 23 Team Singapore athletes at these Olympics, he is also sweating as one of at least 10 Singaporean officials who are in the French capital to help ensure the Games run fairly and smoothly.

Sng serves as a gymnastics "execution" judge who deducts points for mistakes during routines. Having officiated at the Commonwealth, Asian and SEA Games, he made his Olympic debut in Paris and noted that the pressure is not unlike what the athletes face.

He told The Sunday Times: "We get to judge all the star gymnasts from all over the world.

"I am the only judge from Southeast Asia, I would not want to make any mistakes in such a prestigious event and tarnish the reputation of Asian judges.

"Hence, the pressure I have felt is tremendous, and I have never been so stressed out before." The former national gymnast decided to go for a judging exam after setting up a gymnastics academy.