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| From Pattaya with golds - hopefully 7 December 2007 The Straits Times, Terrence Voon |
BANGKOK - THEY are more than 300km away from the hub of SEA Games action at Korat. But Singapore's sailors, triathletes, rowers, riders and canoeists in Pattaya are no less eager to add to the nation's SEA Games gold-medal count. Most of them arrived this week, settling quickly into their accommodation at the Ambassador Hotel near Pattaya City, before getting down to the serious business of competition. The sailors, in particular, cannot wait for their Games to begin tomorrow, having arrived here much earlier on Nov 21. When The Straits Times visited them on Tuesday morning, they were already sweating it out under the blistering sun at the Ocean Marina Yacht Club. Sails, rigging and hulls were meticulously checked and double-checked. Nothing was left to chance - not even food. The team nutritionist has removed fried and spicy items from the dining table, while adding more vegetables. The sailors' hydration levels are also checked daily to make sure they have drunk enough water. 'Preparation is key. We have adapted well since we arrived,' said sailing team manager Andrew Sanders. 'It's good because most of our sailors are rookies and haven't had SEA Games experience.' Of the 25 sailors representing Singapore, 18 are making their Games debuts. That is why SingaporeSailing has projected a modest target of just four golds out of a possible 14 on offer in the sailing and windsurfing events. At the last Games in Manila, sailing went home with seven golds. 'We've got stiff competition this time from the Thais, who have home-ground advantage and are used to the conditions,' said Sanders. According to the Singapore sailors, the waters off Jomtien are choppy, while the winds can be as fast as 15 knots. This is tougher than what some of them are used to back home, but they are relishing the challenge. Said Optimist sailor Luke Tan, 14. 'The World Sailing Championships in Turkey next year will also have strong winds, so this is good practice for us.' Singapore's triathletes and duathletes, who will be in action tomorrow, also shrugged off the weather. 'It's very hot, but the humidity is much better compared to Singapore,' said triathlon team manager Jerry Seah. The only hitch has been the uneven cycling route, which is littered with sand and gravel, he said. Rowing has already got under way at Pattaya's Mab Prachan Reservoir. In the single sculls, Singapore's Elsie Lim is on track for a medal in tomorrow's final. Last year's silver-medallist finished third in yesterday's heats with a time of 8min 16.29sec. But the strong winds in Pattaya are not to Singapore's advantage, said rowing team manager Jufri Sapan. 'It makes the water choppier, compared to Pandan Reservoir in Singapore, where we usually train,' he said. 'But one medal for us is still a safe bet.' The canoeing competition will be held at the same venue next Tuesday, and equestrian starts tomorrow at Horseshoe Point. |
