Team Singapore swimmers and shooters return home

SINGAPORE — A group of Team Singapore athletes received a rousing welcome as they returned home from the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow today (July 31).

First to arrive at Changi Airport were the swimmers, who were greeted by happy family members and supporters. The team clinched a historic silver medal, with Joseph Schooling’s performance in the 100m butterfly. Team members also rewrote five national records and posted six personal best timings at the Games.

The shooters returned home in the afternoon. They hit the mark with two gold medals, and set the Games record in both finals. Jasmine Ser, 23, won gold in the 50m rifle three-positions event and came in fourth in the 10m air rifle.

“People were expecting me to win the 10m air rifle and I was not very prepared for that air rifle competition. That’s why I came in fourth but I couldn’t be disappointed. I can’t be. I knew that I wanted to win the 3P, I wanted it badly. And when I was able to win that, it was the sigh of relief there. I was able to do it because I put in my effort. I had the effort there, I had the confidence,” she said.

Gai Bin, 46, managed fourth spot in the men’s 50m pistol. At the previous games in 2010, he returned with seven medals, including three gold. “Because I wanted to win the gold medal so badly, it was difficult to focus and even control the application of force. It was regretful that I only placed fourth,” he said.

Executive Committee Member of the Singapore National Olympic Council Ng Ser Miang said that the athletes have been doing very well.

“If they continue to fight with the same spirit, never give up, and overcoming all the adversities, I believe they’ll continue to do well in the Asian Games, and definitely we are looking forward to the SEA Games in Singapore next year.” CHANNEL NEWSASIA