Singaporean Paralympian Defers Studies…..23-year-old Yip Pin Xiu, Singapore’s first and only Paralympics gold medalist has decided to defer her political science studies at the Singapore Management University in order to devote herself to training full-time for Rio’s Paralympics. Yip Pin Xiu, who suffers from muscular dystrophy, earned gold in 2008 in the women’s 50m backstroke (S3) event, but has since been feeling weaker and less mobile. “I am feeling weaker than I did some years back. I can do less and less with my fingers, and my grip. My core control is also getting worse,” said Yip. She continued, “The Paralympics doesn’t come around often, and I really want to do my very best for Rio, and I am super motivated. I believe that nothing ventured, nothing gained. If I don’t try, I will never know whether I can reach my dream. One semester of studies can hold, but the Paralympics come just once every four years. Thankfully, my parents are very supportive.”
Jeanette Ottesen Up For Swimmer of the Year…..Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten has nominated Olympian, World and European Championships swimmer Jeanette Ottesen as one of 3 candidates for its “Sportsperson of the Year 2015.” Ottesen is in the running against a kayaker and guide runner for the award, which comes with a cash prize of 50,000 Krone (~$7,000). Ottesen suffered injuries from a road rage incident earlier this summer, where she and her boyfriend were assaulted. Both recovered and Ottesen battled back to capture World Championships silver in both the 50m and 100m butterfly. Voting ends tomorrow, December 1st and you can enter your vote here.
Kyle Chalmers Earns Another Honor….Shortly after winning the South Australian Sports Institute (SASI) ‘Male Junior Athlete of the Year’ Award, the 17-year-old was also named the ‘Secondary School Sports Award’ winner at the KPMG Celebration of South Australia Sport. Chalmers swims for Marion Swim Club, but attends Immanuel College. He represented Australia at both the Junior and Senior World Championships, becoming dual Junior World Champion in the sprint freestyle events. Chalmers was up against soccer player Alexandra Chidiac from Marden Senior College, as well as track and field athlete Brayden Davidson from Reynella East College for the award.
Congratulations Kyle! 🙂
Posted by Marion Swimming Club on Wednesday, November 25, 2015