Tao, S'pore's Chinese-born swimming star
Tao, S'pore's Chinese-born swimming star
Straits Times/ANN, Singapore
In a week's time, China-born Tao Li, 15, will become Singapore swimming's first foreign-talent citizen.
But, put her beside a Singaporean today, and you might not be able to tell the difference.
As Aquatic Performance Swim Club manager Wendy Ang, who has known her since 2001, said: "She's one of us. She loves hawker food, speaks Mandarin with a local accent and mixes well with her fellow-students.
"The only difference is that she trains harder than local swimmers."
According to Singapore Swimming Association vice-president Oon Jin Gee, Tao Li's application was initiated by her club -- APSC, and supported by the SSA.
"The citizenship process will be finalized on Aug. 17," said Oon.
"Based on times from the last Southeast Asia Games, she will be a gold-medal prospect for the 100m fly and 100m back in Manila."
Tao Li has bettered the SEA Games qualifying marks in five events -- 100m back (1min 4.24 sec), 200m back (2:21.02), 100m fly (1:00.57), 200m fly (2:16.21) and 400m individual medley (5:04.62).
The SSA has nominated her and 22 other swimmers to the Singapore National Olympic Council for the Nov. 27-Dec. 5 Games in Manila.
The butterfly and backstroke specialist first came to Singapore with mum Li Yan, an APSC coach, in 2001. Her dad Tao Ran, also a swimming coach, is based in China.
Tao Li has been living here since 2003, when she was admitted to Queenstown Primary School. She is keen to join the Singapore Sports School next year.
The Wuhan native burst into prominence in March when she won 10 golds at the national age-group championships and shattered 10 age-group records.
However, her quick progress has ruffled a few feathers in the swimming fraternity.
Said Oon: "We were told that some people have written to the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports and the Singapore Sports Council accusing us of trying to buy medals.
"They even said that she's so good because she took drugs."
Tao Li tested negative at the national championships in June.
Oon also pointed out that the SSA's main priority is still to nurture local talent -- it will not go overseas specially to scout for youngsters.
Given her potential, Tao Li is tipped to follow in the footsteps of Singapore's Golden Girl Joscelin Yeo.
Her 100m fly qualifying time of 1:00.57 is 0.30sec faster than Yeo's 1:00.87, and just 0.13sec off Yeo's national record of 1:00.44.
She also bettered the 100m and 200m back national records in May and June, but they were not recognized as she was not a Singaporean then.
"She's highly competitive and has a natural feel for the water, which translates into power-packed starts," said coach Ang Peng Siong.
"She can go beyond the SEA Games."
He added that while her stocky frame makes her an ideal butterfly and backstroke swimmer, she needs to work on her freestyle and breaststroke techniques.
Observers say medal hopes aside, Tao Li's inclusion will also provide healthy competition for veterans like Yeo.
"When she first came, she had difficulty beating SEA age-group qualifying marks and could not speak a word of English," Oon said.
"Now she's bettering national records and has passed her mid- year English exams."
To which Tao Li added: "Singapore is my home. I look forward to winning medals for Singapore.
"For now, my priority is to work hard and prepare for my PSLE and the SEA Games."
The bubbly teenager should also be practicing the national anthem Majulah Singapura (Advance Singapore), as she is likely to be singing it on the medal podium in Manila.