Low wants glitch-free Olympic Games
Newly-appointed chef de mission (CDM) for Team Singapore at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games Low Teo Ping. TODAY file photo
SINGAPORE — At the London Olympic Games in 2012, up-and-coming swimmer Joseph Schooling saw his Games debut marred by a swim gear mix-up, after he was told minutes before his 200m butterfly heats that his swim cap and goggles did not comply with regulations.
Low Teo Ping, the newly-appointed chef de mission (CDM) for Team Singapore at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, is keen to ensure that the mistake is not repeated again at next year’s Aug 5 to 21 Games.
“We have learnt from all these incidents, not only from previous experiences at the Olympics, but also from the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games,” said the 70-year-old. “We need to ensure next year’s Olympics will be problem-free for our Team Singapore athletes.”
“There will be a whole series of meetings between the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) and the different team managers to make sure that all involved know their responsibilities well, and the rules and regulations we have to comply with.”
While it is the first time that Low — who is vice-president of the SNOC and President of the Singapore Rugby Union — is leading an Olympics contingent, the veteran sports administrator will be able to draw from his experience as CDM of Team Singapore at the 2007 SEA Games, 2010 Asian Games, and the recent 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Low will travel to Brazil next month for the Rio 2016 Chefs de Mission seminar (Aug 17-21), where the issue of the polluted waters at Guanabara Bay — venue for the sailing and rowing competitions — will likely be discussed. Media reports have cited the possibility of health risks for athletes due to the severe water pollution at the competition venue.
“We will find out at the CDM meeting, and ask the questions,” said Low today (July 20). “I will find out what measures being taken to counter this problem, and report back to our Singapore sailors. I will go there with an open mind, check out the venues and facilities, and prepare our athletes accordingly.”
So far, national swimmers Schooling, 20, and 18-year-old Quah Zheng Wen have booked their tickets to the Rio Olympics, while sailing has earned qualification spots in the women’s laser radial and men’s laser standard classes.
Low said one of the challenges for the Singaporean athletes will be the long journey to Rio de Janeiro, with the travel time from Singapore to Rio expected to take over 20 hours.
He added: “We will try to establish what is the best flight, and route to get to Rio, which is going to take between 26 to 30 hours in total and can be gruelling. We want the most minimal impact with regards to upsetting our athletes’ (body) cycles.”
At the 2012 Olympic Games, Team Singapore’s 23-strong contingent returned from London with two bronze medals in table tennis in their best-ever Games haul. Expectations will be high for the Singaporeans to do well in Brazil, and Low said: “After all the preparations, the Olympics is the time when our athletes have to peak and do their level best. I don’t think any excuses will be acceptable then. Come the Olympics, it will be a high point for Singapore sports, and my role is to help our elite athletes meet their aspirations and expectations too, such as dealing with pressure well.”
