Hangzhou 2022: Wushu bags Singapore's first Games medal

By Jeremiah Ong

With medal favourites fencing and swimming competitions already in full swing on Sunday (Sep 24), Team Singapore’s first silverware came from an unlikely source, 20-year-old wushu exponent and debutant Kimberly Ong.

Team Singapore’s Wushu missed out on the Asian Games podium in 2018 by an agonising 0.01 point when taolu athlete Jowen Lim finished fourth in the two-part daoshu (broadsword)/gunshu (cudgel) all-round event in Palembang.

On Monday (Sep 25) morning, women’s changquan exponent Ong completed the revenge mission for teammate Lim, claiming the rare honour of opening Team Singapore’s account in Hangzhou with a bronze.

This was the first Wushu medal for Singapore since Tan Yan Ni took bronze in 2014 in the same discipline.

Singapore’s Kimberly Ong (right) posing with other medallists, Macau’s Li Yi (centre) and Hong Kong’s Liu Xuxu (left). (Photo: SNOC/ Eng Chin An)

The two-time SEA Games gold medallist in the daoshu and gunshu all-around disciplines registered 9.756 en route to the podium.

On her medal-winning performance, Ong said: “I am very pleased with my performance today, I feel that I have performed to my greatest ability and done my best, so I am very happy with that. Before I came, I told myself not to leave any regrets, and I'm glad I did not.”

Singapore’s Kimberly Ong performing her routine in the women’s changquan final. (Photo: SNOC/ Eng Chin An)

Despite feeling nervous performing on the continental stage, Ong said she was glad she could hold her nerve to execute a confident routine.

The three-minute display was an emotional rollercoaster for Ong. She began her routine fired up after hearing the distinctive cheers from her parents and concluded it with screams from her teammates in the stands, feeling overwhelmed with disbelief.

“I am extremely honoured to be Singapore's first medallist, and I am still in disbelief. I think the main reason for my success is the support that my family and friends have given me. This support system has been extremely vital for my development. Additionally, I feel like resilience has been the key to success,” she said.

Ong’s display earned her Singapore’s first medal at this year’s Games. (Photo: SNOC/ Eng Chin An)

Off the back of May’s Cambodia SEA Games, Ong felt that competing against Asia’s best in Hangzhou was in a league of its own.

“It feels super different, especially because the competitors differ significantly from the SEA Games. My competitors at the Asian Games include those from Hong Kong, Macau and Japan who are all very strong and have way more experience than me. So knowing that I managed to win a medal in an event that was filled with so many outstanding athletes is extremely special to me,” she added.

Claiming Singapore’s seventh Wushu medal at the Asiad, Ong was bombarded by congratulatory messages from friends and family alike.

“To see them so proud makes me extremely happy as well.”

Teammate and fellow debutant Zoe Tan finished right behind Ong in fourth place with a score of 9.753. Her efforts come off the back of a silver in the women’s daoshu & gunshu all-around from the Phnom Penh SEA Games.

On her Asiad debut, Tan said: “I am very honoured to be able to represent Singapore at the Asian Games and it definitely feels great to be able to deliver a good performance with a higher difficulty on my debut.”

The youngest competitor in her category, the 18-year-old put on a rousing display that showcased skill and experience beyond her age.

“I felt that my jump difficulty today was the best showing of myself,” Tan said.

Youngster Zoe Tan showing off her jumps in the women’s changquan final (Photo: SNOC/ Eng Chin An)

Cheering her on in the stands of the Xiaoshan Guali Sports Centre were her mother, grandparents and coach.

“It motivated me, as I wanted to put up a good fight and performance for them, since they flew all the way here just to support me,” Tan added.

The 19th Asian Games are held in Hangzhou, China from 23 September to 8 October 2023. For the latest Team Singapore coverage and news, follow Team Singapore on their social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) or visit the official Team Singapore website.