NEXT UP... QUAH ZHENG WEN
Esquire Singapore|July/August 2022
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
NEXT UP... QUAH ZHENG WEN

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.

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