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.