With two days to go until the end of his National Service (NS) deferment, Quah Zheng Wen has still not given any indication of his next move.
Last July, the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) announced that the 19-year-old would be granted deferment from full-time NS until Aug 31, to allow him to train and compete at the 2016 Olympic Games.
The 19-year-old — who was the most bemedalled athlete at the 2015 SEA Games with 12 medals — proved his mettle in the Olympic Aquatic Stadium in Rio, qualifying for two semi-finals in the men’s 100m and 200m butterfly in new personal best times, to finish ranked 15th and 10th overall.
He also narrowly missed out on a place in the 200m fly final by 0.08s.
Outgoing national swimming head coach Sergio Lopez had singled out the talented young swimmer as a medal potential for the Republic in the 2020 Tokyo Games, particularly after his performance in his second Olympic outing in Rio.
Joseph Schooling, who won Singapore’s first ever Olympic gold medal with his victory in the 100m butterfly agreed.
“He’s improving. Two semi-finals, that’s phenomenal. He has a lot more potential,” said Schooling two weeks ago, during his short stay in Singapore after his Olympic win. “I think he can definitely win a medal or even win (a race) in 2020, if he keeps on this path.”
Former Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) student Quah, who had told TODAY in June that he planned to serve his NS after the Olympics, is currently on holiday in the United States, and has not informed the Singapore Swimming Association (SSA) of his decision.
“NS deferment is a personal matter, a decision that Zheng Wen and his parents will make when they are ready,” said Oon Jin Teik, SSA’s secretary general.
“If they wish to, SSA will give our full support and work with Mindef, the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, and Sport Singapore.
“In our past dealings on various athletes’ matters, Mindef have always been very supportive, contrary to perceptions. We are very appreciative.”
Source: TODAY Online
