SMOOTH SAILING: Koh Seng Leong has the happy dilemma of choosing between rooting for his brother or close friends. (PHOTO: ST)

Seng Leong and Terence among four sailors nominated to compete in August’s Olympics

SINGAPORE sailor Koh Seng Leong was caught in a dilemma – who should he support to represent the Republic in the 470 class at the Beijing Olympics in August?

On one hand, he is naturally inclined to support younger brother Terence, who sails together
with team-mate Xu Yuan Zhen. On the other hand, he is also close friends with the two other teams vying for that single Olympic spot – Roy Tay and Chung Pei Ming, as well as Teo Wee
Chin and Benjamin Tan.

Said Koh: “They told me not to worry about whom to support. No matter who gets the spot, they will get help from those not chosen.

“All of them have such good team spirit, they want the other teams to do well too.”

His brother and Xu were nominated yesterday by SingaporeSailing as the Republic’s representatives for the 470 class.

Koh was also nominated in the laser class, while Lo Man Yi got the nod in the women’s laser
radial class. Each of the four sailors went through three nomination events since April, and their performances were also judged by a seven-member selection panel before being chosen.

It is the first time Singapore has qualified for three sailing events in a single Games outing.

Said SingaporeSailing president Low Teo Ping: “In a sense, it has already been a success.
Should we win a medal, it would be a big bonus.”

True enough, the two 470 teams which were not chosen are still helping Xu and Koh in
their preparations, racing with the team to spur them to better timing.

Said Mr Low: “The sailors understand they can succeed only if they help one another. It’s good to hear they are still pushing our nominees to greater heights.”

SingaporeSailing will submit the nominations to the Singapore National Olympic Council, who has the final say in sending the athletes for Beijing.

Koh, who qualified among the 30th-40th placings, has set himself a target to improve on
his qualifying position at the Games.

While he is glad about Terence being nominated, he said: “I think the happiest person
now must be my mum.

“She knows how hard we trained, and will be so happy that we both made it.”