Racing Beyond Limits
Lessons From The Champions: Toh Wei Soong
Singapore’s para swimming ace, Toh Wei Soong, took time off his packed schedule to drop some serious wisdom on student-athletes at Lessons from the Champions on 28 July 2025.
Wei Soong is a Paralympian and Commonwealth Games bronze medallist who has made waves both in and out of the pool. From clinching medals at the Asian Para Games to making the finals at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, he’s no stranger to the daily grind as an athlete and the glory resulting from all the effort that athletes put into their craft. However, behind the medals lies a mindset that extends far beyond competition.
During his session, he spoke candidly about the struggles that athletes often don’t discuss. He encouraged students to be kind to themselves when they discover their limits and reminded them that changing direction isn’t a sign of failure, but rather a sign of growth. He mentioned that trying new things is not about quitting, but it is about expanding who they are. Taking time away from failures can also reset one’s mindset and come back stronger.
Wei Soong also highlighted the importance of developing other aspects of oneself outside of sports, whether through learning new skills, exploring creative interests, or simply preparing for life beyond sports.
His honest take on the highs and lows of a sporting career struck a chord with many in the room. “There will be tough days,” he said. “But those days don’t define you. What you do with them does.”
From the pool to the runway to public speaking, Toh Wei Soong continues to inspire many, proving that true champions do not just win races. They uplift others while chasing their own finish lines.
Singapore’s para swimming ace, Toh Wei Soong, took time off his packed schedule to drop some serious wisdom on student-athletes at Lessons from the Champions on 28 July 2025.
Wei Soong is a Paralympian and Commonwealth Games bronze medallist who has made waves both in and out of the pool. From clinching medals at the Asian Para Games to making the finals at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, he’s no stranger to the daily grind as an athlete and the glory resulting from all the effort that athletes put into their craft. However, behind the medals lies a mindset that extends far beyond competition.
During his session, he spoke candidly about the struggles that athletes often don’t discuss. He encouraged students to be kind to themselves when they discover their limits and reminded them that changing direction isn’t a sign of failure, but rather a sign of growth. He mentioned that trying new things is not about quitting, but it is about expanding who they are. Taking time away from failures can also reset one’s mindset and come back stronger.
Wei Soong also highlighted the importance of developing other aspects of oneself outside of sports, whether through learning new skills, exploring creative interests, or simply preparing for life beyond sports.
His honest take on the highs and lows of a sporting career struck a chord with many in the room. “There will be tough days,” he said. “But those days don’t define you. What you do with them does.”
From the pool to the runway to public speaking, Toh Wei Soong continues to inspire many, proving that true champions do not just win races. They uplift others while chasing their own finish lines.
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