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MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
13 AUG 2006
Singapore’s Paralympic hopeful, Theresa Goh, broke the 200m breaststroke world record (*SB4 classification) in the 2006 U.S. Paralympics National Swimming Championships.
It was a grand exit Theresa Goh made for her final day of competition in the 2006 U.S. Paralympics National Swimming Championships held at Texas. She broke the world record in the 200m Breaststroke event for *SB4 swimmers and collected two gold medals, which totalled her six gold medals out of seven events participated. The championships ended at about 6.40 a.m. Singapore time this morning.
Though she barely missed the world record of 50m Breaststroke (*SB4 classification) in April by 0.05 seconds, Theresa has more than secured the title for 200m Breaststroke (*SB4 classification) this time round. She clocked 4:30.67 for the event finals held last night (around 10 p.m. Singapore time). The previous world record stood at 5:09.63, set by Kara Sheridan of U.S.A. in 2003.
However, Theresa knows better than to become too fixated on her world-record performance. She says: “I think that it (my timing) can be cut down a lot more in the years to come, because I have not reached my full potential.” Also, despite the world record she now holds in 200m Breaststroke for *SB4 swimmers, that event will not be offered during the Beijing 2008 Paralympics.
The intensive training she underwent in Hangzhou, China, recently has certainly paid off, judging by her achievements. The case is similar for Lim Keng Joo, the only other disabled swimmer who had the chance to attend the intensive training. He scored 2 new national records and earned a gold medal in 1500m Freestyle for *S9 swimmers during the championships.
Theresa and Keng Joo were the only two athletes from Singapore who made it to the championships, within the budget constraints of the Singapore Disability Sports Council. They were accompanied by their coach, Mr Ang Peng Siong.
About 140 athletes participated in the three-day Championships, held from 10 to 12 August. The main participating countries were United States, Canada, Mexico and Brazil. From Asia, Singapore and Taiwan participated.
Theresa and Keng Joo will now be concentrating on their next target, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) World Swimming Championships 2006. To be held in South Africa from 27 November to 9 December, the Championships will serve as a qualifier for the Beijing 2008 Paralympics.
With Joscelin Yeo earning her second National Day awards this year as an established swimmer, perhaps Theresa might have a chance at the next National Day awards now that she is inching towards the Paralympics with a world record under her belt.
Theresa, Keng Joo and Coach Ang Peng Siong will return to Singapore on 14 Aug via UA 853 at Changi Airport Terminal 1, 11:30 p.m. Meanwhile, they are contactable for long-distance phone interviews until 4.00 p.m. this afternoon.
Find Theresa’s and Keng Joo’s results here.
*Classification – SB4 and S9
Because of the vast range of disabilities, classification is required to ensure fairness in competitions. For example, it is unfair for a visually-impaired (but otherwise, fully functional) person to compete against someone who can see but is unable to use both legs. Therefore, disabled athletes are classified before they compete in their events.
In swimming, different strokes will demand different flexibility from the athlete. Hence, an athlete will have different classifications for breaststroke, freestyle and individual medley. A smaller number will mean a lower functionality.
Theresa Goh, born with spina bifida (a birth defect in which part of the spine was not formed properly), is unable to use her legs. Because of her functionality, she is classified under S5 for freestyle, SB4 for breaststroke and SM5 for individual medley.
Lim Keng Joo lost his left leg to bone cancer when he was 12. He is classified under S9 for freestyle, SB8 for breaststroke and SM9 for individual medley.
About Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC)
SDSC is the only organization in Singapore that caters sports for persons across all kinds of disabilities. It aims to help the disabled lead full and independent lives through sports. Besides providing sporting opportunities for them to realize their potential, SDSC trains talents to represent Singapore and pursue excellence at regional and international competitions. Visit more information at http://www.sdsc.org.sg.
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If you’d like more information on the above, please contact
Kelly Fan
Corporate Communications Officer
Singapore Disability Sports Council
Office: +65 6342 3503 Handphone: +65 9007 8669
Email here