Rising Star in Singapore Sailing

Recognised as one of Singapore's best sailors, Victoria's finest hour to date is becoming the world champion in the Laser 4.7 category in 2006 when she was only 15.

The Laser 4.7 is a one-man dinghy with a sail of 4.7 square metres.

But she was previously known as a "crybaby".

She had flunked her basic sailing course at the Singapore Armed Forces Yacht Club when she was startled by the big waves while out at sea.

Back on shore, she could not stop crying, hence the nickname.

Such was her fear of the open waters that she shied away from sailing for a year before her coach persuaded her to give another shot at sailing.

She has come far from that ordeal, though. This hydrophobic teenager became a world champion, beating 87 other competitors to claim the Laser 4.7 title in Hourtin, France.

"I have become more patient and I don't get frustrated easily now that I am an experienced sailor. It's all about not giving up."

And even though she did not make the cut for the Olympic Games in Beijing three years ago, her latest performance in the World University Games in Shenzhen demonstrates her spirit to fight harder in adversity.

The weather had been hot, with little wind. She had moved into second place overall following her first three races in the 10-round competition, but a premature start led to her disqualification in the fourth race.

But a spirited push in the next six races was what she gave to land her a Silver Medal.

What she's eyeing for now is a place in the upcoming South-East Asian (SEA) Games, and ultimately, the 2012 London Olympics.

"I have become more patient and I don't get frustrated easily now that I am an experienced sailor.

"It's all about not giving up," she said.