Swimmers Turn the Tide into Triumphs

Swimming: 2026 Singapore Aquatics Open Water Swimming Championships, 21st Singapore National Swimming Championships 2026


Off the shores of Changi, the Singapore Aquatics Open Water Swimming Championships on 16 May 2026 pushed our student-athletes to their limits, testing both their grit and adaptability. What began as a gruelling 10km marathon was abruptly reshaped into a 5km sprint when unpredictable early morning weather forced a last-minute change to the race.

Undeterred, our student-athletes rose above the disruption with composure and resilience. Leading the charge was Azlina Mastamam, who delivered a standout performance to claim silver in 1:08:17s. Her effort earned her a spot at the 12th Asian Open Water Swimming Championships this June in Jimbaran Bay, Bali. Egan Chin Jia Yu, Isaac Chua Wei En, and Lee Xuan Ying also battled through choppy waters that demanded not just physical endurance, but sharp mental recalibration at every turn.

 
That fighting spirit carried seamlessly into the pool at the OCBC Aquatic Centre, where another group of swimmers competed at the 21st Singapore National Swimming Championships from 27 to 30 May 2026. Taking on the nation’s best and rising regional stars, they thrived under four days of high-intensity racing to deliver an outstanding haul of 14 medals (7 gold, 5 silver, 2 bronze).

Reagan Cheng led the medal surge with a dominant showing, clinching gold in the Men’s 200m Backstroke, 200m Individual Medley, and 400m Individual Medley, alongside a silver in the Men’s 200m Breaststroke. Brandon Yap Yan Xi impressed with gold in the Men’s 200m Butterfly and silver in the Men’s 200m Freestyle, while Ian Leong Wei Sheng powered through to secure gold in the Men’s 400m Freestyle.

Among the girls, Julia Yeo Shu Ning made waves with a gold medal in the Women’s 200m Breaststroke, complemented by three silver medals in the Women’s 100m Backstroke, 200m Individual Medley, and 400m Individual Medley. Joy Neo Ning Suan also delivered a strong performance, capturing gold in the Women’s 200m Breaststroke.

Adding to the excitement, alumna Amanda Lim etched her name into the record books, setting a new national record in the 50m Freestyle with a blistering time of 24.77, eclipsing the previous mark of 24.92 set by Quah Ting Wen at the 2019 FINA Swimming World Cup in Japan.