'ACCOMPLISHED' ADAM RETIRES WITH NO REGRETS

Footballer hangs up boots at 28 due to heart condition but is happy with career

- Deepanraj Ganesan

At 28, Adam Swandi was poised for the peak of his career.

The attacking midfielder had already achieved several milestones: Domestic league and cup triumphs, an individual accolade at the annual local football awards and goals at the international level. He was eyeing more club silverware, another overseas opportunity and a trophy with Singapore.

But those dreams have been dashed.

In an exclusive interview with The Straits Times, Adam confirmed his early retirement from professional football after being diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, a condition that weakens the heart muscle and impairs its ability to pump blood effectively.

This puts him at a high risk of a potentially fatal cardiac event if he continues playing competitive football.

"A big, big shock," said Adam during an interview at the Sailors' Mattar Road headquarters on Dec 19.

"It's crazy that this has happened almost overnight... that I can't play football any more when it's all that I've done my whole life. I felt really, really sad."

The first sign of trouble came in June during a friendly match where Adam said he felt "a bit off, my head was spinning and my heart rate felt a little too fast". He crouched down for a few seconds and then carried on, brushing it off as probably having not slept or eaten well.

Several weeks later, Adam felt unwell again after a training session and was taken to hospital where he underwent a CT scan and electrocardiogram (ECG) before he was discharged and given a week's rest.

At that point, Adam was not too concerned and did not think it would occur again.

But on Sept 14, in a Singapore Premier League (SPL) match against Tanjong Pagar United at Jurong East Stadium - where Adam had scored the Sailors' second goal - he was jogging back into position when he felt dizzy and experienced tightness in his chest.