SEA Games 2025: Golds galore for Singapore on final day of swimming competition

The women's 4x100m medley relay closed Singapore's swimming campaign in style with the country's 12th straight title in the event and a Meet Record. Photo: SportSG/ Andy Chua

On the final day of the swimming competition on Monday (Dec 15), teenager Julia Yeo entered the arena prepared to just cheer her teammates on. 

But 30 minutes before the final race of the evening – the women’s 4x100m medley relay, she was summoned to replace Levenia Sim, who injured her shoulder. 

Still, the late change did little to rattle the team comprising Julia, Letitia Sim, Quah Jing Wen and sister Ting Wen. They clocked 4min 05.79sec for a Meet Record and Singapore’s 12th straight gold in the event. 

(from left) Julia Yeo, Quah Jing Wen and Letitia Sim cheering anchor swimmer Quah Ting Wen on during the women's 4x100m medley relay final. Photo: SportSG/ Andy Chua

The switch completely took Julia by surprise and she competed donning a suit, goggles and cap that were not hers as she did not take her gear with her. 

Julia, 14, said: “It’s really special for me because this is my first medley relay with all the seniors. 

“20 minutes ago, I was just up there cheering. I didn’t even warm up at all. Thank you to all my wonderful teammates. They really encouraged me a lot so I could swim to the best of my ability.

“My heart dropped, I was so shocked and I just walked down in a panic. I don’t know how I pulled that out also, I just swam the best I could.” 

The older swimmers praised Julia for her swim and offered her words of encouragement before the race, but she could not respond as she was a “ball of nerves”. 

Sim said: “We said some words of encouragement to her, but she didn’t say anything. It was crazy but it was so funny to me because we all have been through so much and this is Julia’s first time so we all understand how she’s feeling and having to step up, she did amazing so I’m proud of her.”

Jing Wen added: “Seeing Julia being a ball of nerves, it’s contradictory but it lowkey made me feel a bit calmer. I just wanted to be there for her and (tell her) we’re all behind her. 

“It was a good reminder for myself that I have teammates behind me. I feel really happy and I can’t thank them enough for giving me my first gold here and I’m just so proud seeing us touch first and with a meet record with everything going on.”

Quah Ting Wen (left) celebrating her 50m butterfly win with sister Jing Wen. Photo: SportSG/ Andy Chua

The first final of the day at the Sports Authority of Thailand saw Ting Wen touch the wall in 26.42sec to win the women’s 50m butterfly in Games record time. Jing Wen was fourth in 27.00sec.

Ting Wen, who became Singapore’s most decorated SEA Games athlete on Dec 13, said: “I was quite excited for tonight’s race… I had a lot of fun. It felt good and most swimmers will understand that races are painful, but when it feels good, it’s a freaking fantastic feeling.

“(Winning the relay) was a very nice way to finish the meet. I’m just very happy to see our family up in the stands, coaches, supporters and I’m just very proud of all of us for doing our best and finishing the meet this way.”

Games debutant Chan Junhao won his first individual gold in the 50m breaststroke. Photo: SportSG/ Andy Chua

Debutant Chan Junhao then broke the national record when he clocked 27.68sec in the men’s 50m breaststroke for his first individual gold medal. 

Delighted with his win from Lane 2, Chan said: “It’s always fun to get into a nice sprint event and just see where you can go with it because it helps you sharpen the details in the other events. 

“I was just trying to get locked in before the race, then on the blocks, try to react as fast as possible and put myself out there.

“My morning swim put me there. A lane is a chance, that’s all I can say about that.”

Gan Ching Hwee won the women's 800m freestyle in Meet Record time. Photo: SportSG/ Andy Chua

Gan Ching Hwee then completed a historic triple-triple of freestyle events when she won the women’s 800m freestyle in 8:33.13 to set a new Meet Record. 

But Gan had to wait till after finishing her cool down swim to realise her achievement as the final timings were not shown. 

She said: “My coach was waving me on so I thought something was wrong, like I was going too slow or something. But it’s a very special feeling and to complete the 2-4-8 triple is extra special. It’s a testament to the work I’ve put in over the years.”

Reflecting on her progress since her SEA Games debut in 2017, Gan said: “I’ve grown so much. I was thinking about the 800 when I first won gold (in 2019), it was a very special feeling. Being young, being the underdog, I went there fearless, not really expecting much as well.

“Over the years, this experience has helped me become the athlete who I am today and I’m very grateful for that.” 

Gan will next be heading to Pattaya where she is pencilled in for the mixed relay in her SEA Games open water swimming debut.

Quah Zheng Wen ended the SEA Games with a win in the men's 200m backstroke. Photo: SportSG/ Andy Chua 

There was more to cheer for the Quah family when brother Zheng Wen won the men’s 200m backstroke in 2:00.62 for his fourth gold in Bangkok. 

Pleased to end his campaign with a win after a disappointing start, he said: “This win is definitely one of the most memorable and one of the most important to me. 

“It’s been a very long year. It’s been tough and it just feels like vindication and proof to myself that everything that I’ve worked for this year may not have come together completely for my other races, but I still managed to put it down tonight and get the win for Team Singapore and that means everything to me.

“It’s not my season best, but I’ve had a tough first half and to be able to come back and get it done on the last day, and in the 200 at that, is really awesome.”

Zheng Wen also paid tribute to his sisters for having his back no matter what. 

He added: “I realise now more than ever that (being able to compete with them) is a very special thing and I’ve been taking that for granted for over 15 years.

“Just having them there every step of the way makes me that much better of an athlete, person and racer.

“Coming off not making the Paris Olympics, there was a lot of work to be done, a lot of changes to be made in training. It’s a lonely road but I couldn’t do it without my sisters.  It’s been tough and I’m just very grateful to be here and happy to have been able to see that effort come to fruition.”

After the final day of swimming, Singapore once again reigns as the top nation in the sport at the SEA Games with 19 gold, eight silver and seven bronze medals. 

The 33rd SEA Games are held in Thailand from 9 to 20 December 2025. 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.