Olympics: S’pore shooting, sailing aiming to gain experience in London

SINGAPORE: Sailing and shooting are two sports in which Singapore has always performed well on the international stage.

But Olympic glory has thus far eluded Singapore athletes in those disciplines.

This year, two sailors have been tasked to fly the Singapore flag high at the London Games.

22—year—old Colin Cheng will participate in the Laser Standard event, while 20—year—old Elizabeth Yin will compete in the Laser Radial event.

The duo have been spending a lot of time at the Olympic sailing venues in Weymouth and Portland.

"My coach has sat down with me and we are looking at a stretch goal of a top ten finish. But I personally feel that this being my first Games, I can’t have too high expectations," Cheng said.

"I will be happy with a top—15 or top—20 position as long as I have tried my best."

For shooting, Singapore is fielding just a single representative, Jasmine Ser.

21—year—old Ser has been training in Poland and Germany and will be competing in the 10—metre Air Rifle and the 50—Metre Rifle 3 Positions’ events.

The 2010 Commonwealth Games gold medallist cannot wait to soak up her first Olympics and take on the challenge ahead.

"Improvement is limitless, so my coach advised that we can learn something from (our) technique, learn to be better in control of the rifle and and learn how to deal with the competition in London. Every day we do it slowly," Ser said.

The Singapore athletes in both sailing and shooting are still young, and their respective associations are looking for them to excel at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

After all, athletes in such sports as sailing and shooting normally have a longer life span and peak at a much later age.

— CNA/wm