Sea-ing New Experiences and Breaking National Record

The Swimming Academy recently travelled to the beautiful shores of Boracay, Philippines, to compete in the 4th Southeast Asia Open Water Swimming Championships and Festival held from 21 to 23 August 2026. From travelling there using almost every mode of transportation to diving into the unpredictable open sea, our student-athletes demonstrated incredible resilience, camaraderie, and sportsmanship.

At the 4th Southeast Asia Open Water Swimming Championships, Azlina Mastamam played a key role in contributing to a Mixed Relay (14 to 18 years) team bronze. Azlina shared, “I gained many valuable experiences through my races. Not only did I have the opportunity to compete alongside athletes from different countries, but I also formed friendships with them, and we encouraged one another before our races. I came very close to winning a medal in both of my individual events (10 km and 5 km races), and the experience provided me with invaluable lessons that will help me perform better in future competitions.”

Meanwhile, at the 4th Southeast Asia Open Water Swimming Festival, our swimmers brought home a spectacular 5 gold, 1 silver and 1 bronze medals for the 3km event in the respective age-group categories.

Beyond the Medals: Growth, Bonding, and Real-World Lessons
While the medal haul was spectacular, the true victory lay in the experiences and life lessons our athletes gained during the trip, transitioning from the calm, controlled waters of a swimming pool to the deep, choppy waves of the open sea.

Overcoming the Elements
As Secondary 3 swimmer Arielle Neo noted, the race was "fun and tiring at the same time," while Secondary 2 swimmer Lee Zi Xuan shared how the unpredictable waves tested her limits. "Swimming in the open sea was challenging because of the waves and the different conditions," Zi Xuan reflected. "I learned that I have to stay calm and keep going even when things become difficult."

The mental and physical demands of the ocean pushed some to the brink. Secondary 3 swimmer Casey Chua admitted, "There were even moments when I wanted to call for help and get carried back to shore, but it taught me to stay determined and never give up." Yet, amidst the tough race, Casey also found it to be a uniquely enjoyable experience, especially being able to see everything underwater.

Resilience and Sportsmanship
The festival also highlighted the mature mindsets of our athletes. For those who did not take home a medal this time, the experience only fueled their determination. Ashley Lim summed up this resilient attitude perfectly: "Even though I did not win this time, I will continue to train hard and trust the process."

Team Camaraderie and Cultural Immersion
Away from the competition, the trip offered a priceless opportunity for the team to bond. As Casey noted, the journey allowed her to "bond with teammates I normally don’t really mix with," resulting in new friendships and a deeper understanding of herself and her peers. The students were captivated by Boracay's crystal-clear waters and white beaches. They sampled delicious local cuisine and learned about Filipino culture, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

A Special Thank You to Our Coaches
None of this would have been possible without the dedication of our coaching staff. Secondary 4 swimmer Egan Chin gave a special honorable mention on behalf of the team: "Coach Marellyn and Coach Puay Kheng put in a lot of effort to take care of us and look after our well-being. If not for them, I don’t think we would have performed as well as we did."

Congratulations to the entire team for their courage, hard work, and fantastic achievements, flying the Singapore flag high.

RESULTS

4th Southeast Asia Open Water Swimming Championships
Mixed Relay (14 – 18 years old)
3rd – Azlina Mastamam

4th Southeast Asia Open Water Swimming Festival

Gold
3km swim Boys (12-13 years old) – Joel June
3km swim Boys (14-15 years old) – Nigel Low
3km swim Boys (16-17 years old) – Egan Chin
3km swim Girls (12-13 years old) – Rae Anne Ng
3km swim Girls (14-15 years old) – Casey Chua

Silver
3km swim Girls (14-15 years old) – Lee Zi Xuan

Bronze
3km swim Boys (12-13 years old) – Travis Neo