'I'm just so grateful': Singapore's Yip Pin Xiu thankful for support after second gold at Paris Paralympics

SINGAPORE: After securing a gold in her opening event at the Paris Paralympics, Yip Pin Xiu told herself that regardless of whatever happened in the women's 50m backstroke S2 final, she could rest in the assurance that she had done her best.

And with that ease of mind, the defending champion on Sunday (Sep 1) clocked a time of 1:05.99 to clinch her second gold of the Games.

At the La Defense Arena, Mexico's Haidee Aceves took silver (1:08.96) while Spain's Teresa Perales (1:10.95) finished with bronze.

"After the 100m, I really was trying not to put too much pressure on myself," she told CNA.

"I was telling myself that regardless of what happens with the results, (I've) already done my best and everything ... That's the mindset I had coming in."

Yip's latest medal means she has won golds at both the 50m and 100m backstroke S2 events for three consecutive Paralympics.

The 32-year-old is Singapore’s most decorated Paralympian and the current world record holder for both events.

"A lot of people to thank, (those) that have shown me support along the way. I'm just grateful for the amount of support that we got from Singaporeans after the first race," said Yip.

"Thank you so much for all of those messages coming in ... I'm just so grateful. All of you have played a part in one way or another in this victory."

Yip on Friday won gold in the 100 backstroke S2 event.

She now has seven Games golds to her name and remains the only Singaporean to have won a Paralympics gold.

While Yip has not yet made a decision on whether she will compete in the next Paralympics four years later, she hopes to compete at the Para Swimming World Championships next year.

She added: "I still enjoy the sport and I think there is more that we can do to get faster."

Additional reporting: Sabrina Ng

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