https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sin...-olympics-swimming-singapore-aquatics-4469446
When asked about how Quah’s exclusion would affect the preparations of the relay team, Letitia, 21, said: “I don’t think there’s much effect. We are both still really excited to just go and represent. This is our first time and there's not much to expect, and just take it one step at a time.”
With a new member in the relay, will the approach change? No, says Letitia.
Speaking to the media at the event, executives from SAQ addressed statements made by Quah in previous interviews that she was made to sign a document indicating she was heading to Paris, before that invitation was rescinded.
SAQ secretary-general Kenneth Goh said that when athletes sign such documents, it indicates that they will probably be on the final team that goes to the major Games. But this remains provisional.
“Is it 100 per cent guaranteed and assured? As an athlete, you know it is a strong chance, and you have to prepare for it. But there still is a chance that it may not happen,” said Associate Professor Goh.
In Quah’s case, the process of allocating Olympic spots was not completed when she signed the document.
“It was stated very clearly in the selection policy timeline that on Jul 5 (a day after Quah signed the documents) there will still be ‘B’ cut invitations going out,” he said.
Agreeing, SAQ technical director for swimming Sonya Michelle Porter said that athletes are made aware that documents indicating their interest to compete at the Games are conditional.
“When we originally ask them for an intent to swim, we let them know - and it is written on there - that it’s conditional from World Aquatics, that they’re granting those positions,” said Ms Porter.
“From our perspective, at that point in time and the conditions around that, it seems like that is the end point and then further news comes. Sometimes circumstances come at the worst times, and in this situation, it was always going to be one individual that was going to get the worst news.”
Agreeing with this process, national swimmer Teong Tzen Wei said that he does not consider himself a part of a team headed for a major competition until he sets foot on the plane.
“Until the day that you fly, everything is conditional. It’s never set in stone,” said the 27-year-old.
He said that even with an ‘A’ cut, athletes may get injured or be embroiled in bad publicity, which can result in them pulling out.
“I think as a human, we just need to be resilient and understand that nothing is set in stone, and we just need to accept whatever comes our way.”
When asked about how Quah’s exclusion would affect the preparations of the relay team, Letitia, 21, said: “I don’t think there’s much effect. We are both still really excited to just go and represent. This is our first time and there's not much to expect, and just take it one step at a time.”
With a new member in the relay, will the approach change? No, says Letitia.
Speaking to the media at the event, executives from SAQ addressed statements made by Quah in previous interviews that she was made to sign a document indicating she was heading to Paris, before that invitation was rescinded.
SAQ secretary-general Kenneth Goh said that when athletes sign such documents, it indicates that they will probably be on the final team that goes to the major Games. But this remains provisional.
“Is it 100 per cent guaranteed and assured? As an athlete, you know it is a strong chance, and you have to prepare for it. But there still is a chance that it may not happen,” said Associate Professor Goh.
In Quah’s case, the process of allocating Olympic spots was not completed when she signed the document.
“It was stated very clearly in the selection policy timeline that on Jul 5 (a day after Quah signed the documents) there will still be ‘B’ cut invitations going out,” he said.
Agreeing, SAQ technical director for swimming Sonya Michelle Porter said that athletes are made aware that documents indicating their interest to compete at the Games are conditional.
“When we originally ask them for an intent to swim, we let them know - and it is written on there - that it’s conditional from World Aquatics, that they’re granting those positions,” said Ms Porter.
“From our perspective, at that point in time and the conditions around that, it seems like that is the end point and then further news comes. Sometimes circumstances come at the worst times, and in this situation, it was always going to be one individual that was going to get the worst news.”
Agreeing with this process, national swimmer Teong Tzen Wei said that he does not consider himself a part of a team headed for a major competition until he sets foot on the plane.
“Until the day that you fly, everything is conditional. It’s never set in stone,” said the 27-year-old.
He said that even with an ‘A’ cut, athletes may get injured or be embroiled in bad publicity, which can result in them pulling out.
“I think as a human, we just need to be resilient and understand that nothing is set in stone, and we just need to accept whatever comes our way.”
