A Singaporean couple is making waves by returning to competitive swimming at the Masters Championships. Ms. Cheong and her husband, Mr. Koh, who both have extensive backgrounds in the sport, decided to participate in the event held in Singapore this year.

Mr. Koh, who competed in water polo until his 50s, was the driving force behind their decision. “How often does Singapore host this?” he remarked, expressing his excitement. Ms. Cheong, who previously served as vice-president of swimming for the Singapore Swimming Association, admitted her relationship with the sport had been complex. “It’s more of a love-hate thing,” she explained. “I was burnt out already by the time I quit the sport,I really didn’t want to touch the water so much.” However, she has since come to terms with her past, stating, “That ‘hate’ part is gone, I’m much more pleasant going back.”

The couple acknowledged a sense of trepidation, especially regarding fitness levels. “A bit fearful in the sense that water polo is a fitness game, and we’re all so out of shape,” Mr. Koh admitted. “getting the team together was a bit intimidating.” They are adapting their training,noting,”Now,we don’t do so much sprints because we’re all old.”

Ms. Cheong will compete in two relay events, the 4x50m freestyle and the 4x50m medley, alongside former teammates. “Three of us are old teammates… We trained together, we were from the same club before. So it’s more of for old times’ sake,” she said.

beyond the competition itself, the couple is looking forward to sharing the experience. “It’s nice to do things together. Even though we are in different venues, with different timings (for our events),” said Mr. Koh. Ms. Cheong fondly recalled watching her husband train in the past, adding, “It would be really nice to go watch him again.”