The SEA Games 2015 has come to an end, with host nation Singapore achieving an unprecedented 84 gold medals.
Team Singapore came in second place in the overall medal tally – just behind Thailand. And this is Singapore’s highest ranking since the 1975 Sea Peninsular games in Thailand, where they also came in second place.
Our gold medal haul also confidently surpassed our previous record where Singapore won 50 gold medals in 1993, which was also hosted in Singapore.
Singapore total 258-medal haul also trounced our previous record of 164 medals, also during the 1993 games here.
While every athlete put their best foot forward, there were some that stood out and made outstanding achievements.
Below is a list of the Top 6 Singaporean athletes
1. Shanti Pereira
Our national sprint queen raced across the finish lines (and into our hearts) to win the nation’s first sprint gold medal at the SEA Games for 42 years.
While doing that, she managed to re-write a new national record time of 23.60s for the women’s 200m title.
2. Joseph Schooling
Schooling currently carries the nation’s hope at our first Olympic medal for swimming – and judging by his performance at the SEA Games, it’s an achievable feat. Schooling won nine golds and broke nine games records while he was at it.
3. Muhammad Nur Alfian
It’s a true underdog story that may remind people of The Karate Kid. Alfian was up against defending world Silat champion Tran Dinh Nam from Vietnam. Mid-way through, he suffered a deep cut between his toes.
And yet, he came out on tops and won the sole gold medal for Silat against all odds.
In an even more poignant moment, he was in tears throughout the National Anthem during the victory ceremony, proving just how much the gold medal means to him.
4. Ashley Liew
The 28-year-old marathon runner suddenly found himself ahead of the other 11 competitors.
But this was because the rest had mistaken taken a different route while he made the correct turn.
But instead of taking advantage of his unexpected lead, he slowed down and waited for the rest of the pack to catch up instead.
And this display of sportsmanship earned him raves online, including from Prime Minsiter Lee Hsien Loong.
5. Squash pair
The squash doubles team of Marcus Phua and Vivian Rhamanan ended Singapore’s 20-year wait for a gold medal as they won Singapore’s first SEA Games gold in squash since 1995 when they clinched the men’s doubles jumbo final.
While the Singaporean athletes clearly shone on home ground, there were foreign athletes too that deserved praise.
Here is our list below:
1. Nguyen Thi Anh Vien
Vietnamese Nguyen Thi Anh Vien could possibly be the only swimmer during the games who could come close to outshining swim star Schooling. The 18-year-old won an impressive eight golds and five games records. Let’s not forget she entered herself in 11 events.
2. Aaliyah Yoong Hanifah
What were you doing at the age of 11? This Malaysian water skiier is already considered a veteran in the sport as she won her first SEA Games gold medal aged 8 in 2011. This year, she managed to get two golds and she said that she is already aiming for three next year.
3. Phyo Kyaw Zin
Myanmar goalkeeper Phyo Kyaw Zin played a big role in helping Myanmar in their improbable journey to reach the football final. Despite their 0-3 loss in the final to Thailand, Phyo saved a total of 12 shots in the final. Impressive.
Source: www.tnp.sg
